Brendan A. Maher, Chief Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court announced the following list of candidates who have applied to fill the position of Boone County Public Defender:
Aaron Buscemi
Kristin Carpenter
Rebecca Chinery
Britt Hawkins
Neal Hermanson
Chrissie Lee
Bradford Morrison
John Palmer
Frank Perri
Christopher Solger
Amanda Turek
The Circuit Judges of the 17th Circuit are inviting written comments regarding these candidates from any interested individuals and organizations. Comments must be in writing and received by the Chief Judge no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026. Anonymous letters will not be considered.
Anyone wishing to comment should direct their correspondence by U.S. mail to Chief Judge Brendan A. Maher, Winnebago County Courthouse, 400 West State Street, Suite 215, Rockford, Illinois 61101 or by email to
