R. Kelly Prosecutor Breaks Racial, Sex Barrier as New Judge (1)

After successfully prosecuting singer R. Kelly, Jeannice Appenteng is breaking ground as the first Black female federal magistrate judge in Chicago. But her goal of reaching a just outcome remains unchanged.

Moving to impartial judicial officer from a lawyer trying to prove guilt might seem tricky for some, but as Appenteng sees it, in both jobs the goal is to achieve justice—"the right answer,” as she said in a recent interview. “I am accustomed to be objective, and you go where that takes you. It’s the same as the bench,” she said.

Her selection by the district’s active judges ...