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. “
First Assistant Public Defender Ron Lewis is among 11 candidates who have filed applications to succeed former McLean County Public Defender Carla Barnes, who recently was named a circuit judge.
Three other current public defenders Matthew Koetters, Mark Messman and Joseph Moran also filed applications for the post.
Former public defender Jennifer Patton, now in private practice in Bloomington, joins local defense lawyers Chris Gramm and Mark Zalcman as candidates. Edward McKibbin, who serves as students’ attorney for Illinois State University, rounds out the list of local lawyers on the list.
Candidates from outside Bloomington-Normal include Pontiac attorney Larry Necheles, Chicago attorney Meanith Huon and Brady Lee Allen from Coles County.
Pontiac Daily Leader
Justice Rita B. Garman and the Supreme Court of Illinois have announced the appointment of Carla E. Barnes as an at-large Circuit Court Judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. Barnes will be the first African-American judge in the Eleventh Circuit.
Barnes is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Scott D. Drazewski on Dec. 31, 2020. The appointment takes effect on Feb. 11, 2021, and will conclude on Dec. 5, 2022, when the vacancy will be filled by the winner of the November 2022 general election.
“The screening committee found Carla Barnes to be extremely well-qualified for the position of circuit judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, and I am pleased that the Court unanimously agreed with that assessment,” Justice Garman said. “She has served the people of McLean County in the Public Defender’s Office for 19 years and has been the Chief Public Defender since 2014. Considering her diverse background and her experience
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Illinois Supreme Court issued the following announcement on Jan. 12.
Justice Rita B. Garman and the Supreme Court of Illinois have announced the appointment of Carla E. Barnes as an At-Large Circuit Court Judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. Ms. Barnes will be the first African-American judge in the Eleventh Circuit. Ms. Barnes is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Scott D. Drazewski on December 31, 2020. The appointment takes effect on February 11, 2021, and will conclude on December 5, 2022, when the vacancy will be filled by the winner of the November 2022 general election.
“The screening committee found Carla Barnes to be extremely well-qualified for the position of circuit judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, and I am pleased that the Court unanimously agreed with that assessment,” Justice Garman said. “She has served the people of McLean County in the Public Defender’s Office for 19 years and has been the Chief Pu