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Talley tries on new role after years as attorney
District court bench beckons former prosecutor
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
 Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photos by EMILY BARNES
Kenneth A. Talley gets help putting on his robe from his cousin, Tamara Cook-Berry, left, his sister, Jenell Talley, right, and his wife, Jessica, in back, after he is sworn in Friday as associate judge of the District Court of Maryland, Fourth District, at the Charles County Government Building in La Plata.
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Charles County's new district court judge, the first African-American on the bench in the county, officially took office at a swearing-in ceremony Friday, an event that speakers called "historic."
Participants in the ceremony also described the persistence, intelligence and engaging personality of Kenneth A. Talley, a former Charles County prosecutor, and said they expect big things from him.
"I will do my best every day to be worthy of this honor that has been bestowed," said Talley after he took his oath of office.
The 39-year-old fills the vacancy created when District Court Judge Richard A. Cooper retired earlier this year. The county's second district court judge, William Louis Hennessy, welcomed Talley's assistance.
"We're excited to have him. We really need some help," said Hennessy in an interview after the ceremony.
At the investiture, retired Charles County District Court Judge Gary S. Gasparovic said Talley greatly impressed him as a young public defender.
"None of Ken's clients ever showed displeasure with him because he was an appointed attorney. They knew they had a ‘real' attorney," Gasparovic said.
The former judge also talked about Talley's service to the community, including his participation in Teen Court and his service on the board of directors at the Jude House drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.
Gasparovic cautioned against focusing on Talley's status as the county's first African-American judge to the detriment of his personal characteristics.
"We must not let this man be devoured by history," Gasparovic said.
Charles County Commissioner Reuben B. Collins II (D), Talley's former law partner, later said that the judge's strong character and the significance of the moment were linked.
"This is a celebration for us as a community," Collins said.
"Ken took history in his own hands. And there's absolutely no doubt in my mind that, as he was brilliant litigator, he will be a brilliant judge."
Charles County Assistant State's Attorney Anita Turner also spoke about Talley, saying her friend possesses "the correct balance of sternness and empathy and fairness."
And although Talley left the public defender's office and spent the last few years as a prosecutor, "he still roots for the underdog," Turner said. "After all, he's been a lifelong Colts fan."
Talley's wife, cousin and sister then helped him don the robes of his office, and the judge received a standing ovation from the audience.
"Today means a lot," said Talley's wife, Jessica Talley. "He's just such a decent and honorable man. I admire that a great deal."
After the ceremony, Cooper said he's happy with Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) selection for his replacement.
"I think Ken Talley was a very good choice for district court, and obviously, this has historical significance. It means that a large part of our population … will be able to identify a little more with the judges and feel a little more included. That's a good thing," Cooper said.
Talley shadowed Cooper on Monday, watching him handle a docket in St. Mary's County. He said he will handle his first docket alone June 18.
"I can only hope to live up to expectations," Talley said, but he added that the praise from speakers at the ceremony meant a lot to him and to his family. "I really appreciate it. … A couple [family members] told me they were in tears."
