Judge Pearson to be based in Youngstown federal court

The U.S. Senate confirmed Benita Y. Pearson today as a federal district court judge, to be based in Youngstown. She becomes the first black female federal judge in Ohio.

“The confirmation of Judge Pearson to the U.S. District Court means that we can continue working toward a more just society,” said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Avon, who recommended Pearson, a federal magistrate, for the position in July 2009.

After a blockade since September, Senate Republicans agreed to let at least 19 of President Barack Obama’s noncontroversial judicial nominees be confirmed in the waning days of the congressional session.

Pearson will replace Judge Peter C. Economus, who went to senior status in July 2009.

It’s been a year since Obama recommended Pearson for the appointment. The Senate Judiciary Committee recommended her appointment to the full Senate in February 2009.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com