Quincy The judges of the Eighth Judicial Circuit have named John W. Citro as the next top public defender for Adams County.
Citro, who graduated from Quincy University, graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2010 with a law degree. After joining the public defense’s office in 2019, he held the position of acting chief public defender twice. First, following Chris Pratt’s resignation in May 2024 to take a position as a circuit judge; second, Jonathan Hoover’s resignation in May 2025.
Throughout his tenure, Citro has held every job in the office. He has served as the interim chief, assistant public defender, deputy chief public defender, and now, as the office’s top official,
Citro has also taught at Quincy University as an adjunct professor.
The circuit judges stated in a press statement that Mr. Citro has shown a strong devotion to the Adams County Public Defender’s Office and his clients’ representation. The judges of the Eighth Circuit have faith that Mr. Citro will keep raising the standard of defense services in Adams County.
For defendants who are arrested or accused of a crime and are unable to hire private counsel, the public defender offers legal assistance. As the head of the department, Citro is in charge of hiring office personnel and assistant public defenders to carry out the office’s mandated responsibilities.
