Roanoke, Va. – The Virginia General Assembly has appointed Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jason D. Morgan as General District Judge for the 23rd Judicial District, effective November 1, 2026. The appointment fills the position currently held by Judge F.W. “Skip” Burkart III, who is nearing retirement.
Morgan, a Lynchburg native, brings a decade of legal experience to the bench. He earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and his law degree from the Appalachian School of Law. Following his admission to the Virginia bar, he served a one-year term as a law clerk for the 23rd Judicial Circuit.
Prior to his role in Roanoke City, Morgan served as a prosecutor in both Bedford County and Montgomery County. He joined the Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office in July 2023, becoming a key member of the team for the past three years, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney John McNeil.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected for this position by the Virginia General Assembly,” Morgan stated. “I have spent my career ensuring that the rights of all parties are protected, not only the rights of the accused but also victims of crime. I fully intend to continue that mission as a General District Judge. I have some big shoes to fill with Judge Burkart leaving the bench. He has been one of the most respected Judges in the state for many years. I am excited for this challenge.”
McNeil echoed Morgan’s sentiments, stating, “Jason has been an integral part of our office for the past three years. He will be an asset to the Judiciary and will develop an incredible Judge. We wish him the best of luck as he leaves our office and begins this journey. We also send our congratulations to Judge Burkart on his upcoming retirement and thank him for his many years of service as a General District Judge. He has served with incredible honor and integrity in his career and we wish him well going forward.”
The 23rd Judicial District encompasses the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, and Salem. General District Court judges serve six-year terms. The appointment of Morgan follows a review process conducted by the Virginia General Assembly, confirming his qualifications and suitability for the position.
In 1998, Commonwealth’s Attorney Skip Burkart faced scrutiny regarding a potential conflict of interest, as reported by WDBJ 7 news, though the specifics of that case remain separate from Morgan’s appointment.
