Jeremy Karlin has served in a variety of roles in the Knox County community since he first moved to Galesburg 25 years ago. On Tuesday, December 1st, he officially took over as the county’s top prosecutor. The Democrat took his oath of office yesterday morning on the 2nd floor of the Knox County Courthouse. Karlin was first hired as Assistant Knox County State’s Attorney in 1995 by the late Ray Kimbell and continued under Paul Mangieri. In a twist of irony, Karlin is being replaced at law firm Barash & Everett by Mangieri who is also a retired 9th Circuit Judge. Karlin had planned on spending this last month wrapping up cases in his private practice. Brian Kerr, who has been an Assistant State’s Attorney in the office for 5 years and was Karlin’s opponent in the election has decided to not stay in his position. Monday, November 30th was the last day at the Knox County Courthouse for him and outgoing SA John Pepmeyer. Pepmeyer had served as State’s Attorney for 14 years.
