Staff / WGLT
A longtime public defender in McLean County is the new head of the office. Ron Lewis has been appointed, said Chief Circuit Judge Mark Fellheimer.
Lewis has spent a quarter century in the public defender s office.
“I am honored to lead the McLean County Public Defender’s office. Our office plays a critical role in the justice system and we have the important responsibility to represent our client’s rights,” said Lewis. “I value the unique partnerships across many organizations to meet the diverse needs of our clients and the broader justice system. I look forward to continuing these collaborations for creative solutions in McLean County. “
Staff / WGLT
The pandemic has slowed programs in McLean County that help keep people out of prison and the county jail.
Michael Donavan, the county s court services director, said recovery court and drug court usually offer intensive therapy and other services, but they are not seeing as much use right now. Referrals have been down this year because of COVID, over a 40% reduction in the referral rate. A lot of it has to do with the court cases that had stalled for a number of months, said Donovan.
Donovan recently told the county board s Health Committee that counseling and other programs offered to drug and recovery court participants also are not as robust right now because they are not happening, or are online because of the pandemic.