Houston, John A. Born 1952 in Greensboro, NC Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California Nominated by George W. Bush on May 1, 2003, to a new seat authorized by 116 Stat. 1758. Confirmed by the Senate on October 2, 2003, and received commission on October 7, 2003. U.S. Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, 1998-2003 Education: North Carolina A&T State University, B.S., 1974 University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 1977 Professional Career: U.S. Army Reserve, 1974-1978, 1981- U.S. Army, JAG Corps, 1978-1981 Assistant U.S. attorney, Southern District of California, 1981-1998; chief, Asset Forfeiture Unit, 1987-1994; senior counsel for asset forfeiture, 1994-1996; senior financial litigation counsel, 1996-1998