February 13, 2026 3:30 a.m. 

On Wednesday, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she has appointed former Douglas County resident Sarah K. Dougherty to the Klamath County Circuit Court.

A release from the Office of the Governor said Ms. Dougherty will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Alycia Edgeworth Kersey.

Sarah Dougherty is a native Oregonian who earned her juris doctorate degree from the University of Oregon. She is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has practiced both on the prosecution and defense side in Klamath County.

Dougherty told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that she is currently in private practice with the majority of her practice focusing on criminal defense. Dougherty said she worked in the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office from 2015-2020 and in the DA’s office in Curry County from 2014-2015.

Dougherty is a 2006 graduate of Roseburg High School. She grew up in the Lookingglass area and attended Fremont Middle School and Fullerton IV Elementary School.

Her appointment to the Klamath County Circuit Court is effective immediately.