During a recent biannual Circuit Public Defender meeting, Executive Director Omotayo Alli announced the installation of three new Circuit Public Defenders for the Coweta, Oconee, and Mountain Judicial Circuits.
Director Alli expressed enthusiasm about the appointments, stating these leaders would "strengthen our commitment to ensuring justice and due process for all Georgians."
GPDC Circuit Public Defenders manage staff including assistant public defenders, investigators, and other professionals while engaging with their communities to advocate for public defense.
Ricardo Samper -- Coweta Judicial Circuit
Ricardo Samper now oversees the Coweta Judicial Circuit, which includes Coweta, Meriwether, and Troup counties. A Mercer University law graduate with private practice background, Samper enjoys outdoor activities and operates a karaoke entertainment business.
Ashley McLaughlin -- Oconee Judicial Circuit
Ashley McLaughlin leads the Oconee Judicial Circuit, serving Bleckley, Dodge, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, and Wheeler counties. A McRae-Helena native and Florida State University College of Law graduate, he served as an assistant public defender since 2014 and resides with his wife of 24 years and twin sons.
Jeanne C. Tiger -- Mountain Judicial Circuit
Jeanne C. Tiger heads the Mountain Judicial Circuit, covering Habersham, Rabun, and Stephens counties. With extensive criminal defense experience and law school legal aid clinic work, she is passionate about defending indigent clients' rights.
All three were promoted from chief assistant public defender roles. The GPDC, founded in 2003, represents approximately 85 percent of Georgia state criminal cases through over 400 attorneys.