Former U.S. attorney becomes federal judge

Former U.S. Attorney for Utah Paul Warner has now officially become a federal magistrate judge.

Warner was sworn in by Chief U.S. District Court Judge for Utah Dee Benson during a ceremony Friday before a courtroom nearly filled with federal judges, agents, family members and state officials.

Warner becomes one of four federal magistrate judges to preside in Utah. The move comes after Warner announced his retirement as U.S. Attorney for Utah last month after serving 7 1/2 years.

Warner was the longest-serving U.S. Attorney in the nation, having served under both Democratic and Republican presidential administrations.

Warner said he plans to serve out his term as magistrate judge and then retire.

Having been presented his robe and honorary gavel Friday, Warner is expected be begin presiding over cases next week.