Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced this week that Tupakk A.G. Renteria would fill a vacancy on the Third District Juvenile Court, replacing Judge Andrew Valdez, who retired on Nov. 1, 2013.

Renteria currently serves as Salt Lake County’s deputy district attorney, where he has worked since 2007, according to a release from the Governor’s Office.

Summit County Attorney David Brickey had been one of the five nominees for the Juvenile Court vacancy. In a prior interview with The Park Record, Brickey stated he would forgo re-election to fill the vacancy.

However, with Renteria named to the Juvenile Court, Brickey, a Republican is expected to seek re-election as County Attorney against former Third District Court Judge Robert Hilder, who has declared his intention to run on the Democratic ticket this November.

Renteria was born in Mexico and moved to the United States at the age of five, according to the release. As deputy district attorney, he screens and prosecutes felony cases related to the sexual and physical abuse of children as well as sexual offenses against adults.

Gov. Herbert provided the following statement about the appointment of Renteria in the press release:

"Tupakk’s extensive expertise in working with abused children and domestic violence cases, along with his unquestionable integrity make him a valuable asset on the bench," said Herbert. "His intelligence and experience will greatly benefit the families of Utah. I am pleased to appoint someone with his keen judgment."

Renteria’s confirmation to the Juvenile Court is subject to confirmation by the Utah State Senate.