Judge John Tatz
The Peoria City Council selected John Tatz to serve as the city’s new Municipal Court Presiding Judge at their Regular Meeting Tuesday evening.
Judge Tatz has served as the City of Mesa Presiding Judge since 2020, where he oversees all court operations in a high-volume court that incurs over 100,000 filings annually.
He was instrumental in planning and implementing a Domestic Violence Court in Mesa and oversees the city’s award-winning Community Court and Veterans Court.
He served as a Mesa City Magistrate from 2016 – 2020 and has previous experience with Peoria as the city’s Assistant City Prosecutor from November 1999 – August 2001. He also has 16 years of experience as a sole practitioner in Peoria, Phoenix, and Glendale.
“We are grateful to have Judge Tatz back in Peoria,” said Mayor Jason Beck. “His experience in overseeing a high-volume court, while maintaining excellent jurisprudential temperament will serve our city well.”
“I am grateful to put my public service experience to work in my hometown,” said Judge Tatz. “I thank the Peoria City Council for the trust they have bestowed upon me and look forward to joining the team.”
Judge Tatz will begin service to Peoria on April 15, 2024.
Judge Tatz replaces Judge George Anagnost, who announced his plans to retire last month, following a 29-year career with the city.
The Municipal Court handles criminal misdemeanors, traffic violations, city code violations, injunctions prohibiting harassment and orders of protection in Peoria.