Will County public defender to retire

JOLIET – The Will County Circuit Court will begin looking for a new public defender.

Frank Astrella submitted a letter of retirement to Chief Judge Richard Schoenstedt on Wednesday, Schoenstedt said. The public defender's office, which represents anyone charged with a crime who cannot afford an attorney, is overseen by the circuit court.

"His retirement will be effective Jan. 31, 2016, and the court appreciates having notice to get his successor in place," Schoenstedt said.

The public defender must be a member of the bar in good standing. Applicants will be voted on by the 16 circuit judges. Schoenstedt expects the position will be posted statewide in November and interviews will be held in December.

Astrella did not return a message left requesting comment Wednesday afternoon.

Sources said Astrella submitted his retirement paperwork after the circuit judges met to talk about replacing him. Schoenstedt confirmed Wednesday the judges met recently, but would not comment on the topic discussed. Astrella is being sued by two assistant public defenders who claim he sexually harassed them.

Astrella has been the public defender since September 2008 – two years after starting with the office. He began his career as an assistant with the Cook County Public Defender's Office before spending 18 years with the Kankakee County State's Attorney's Office.