The Department of Public Advocacy strives to maintain several channels of communication to keep our staff, criminal legal stakeholders, and the general public informed about polices and practices that effect DPA and the clients we serve. Below you can read about our press releases and announcements, scroll through our latest updates on social media, view archives of our reports and publications, and get updated on news within the agency.
Recent Press Releases and Announcements
- Experienced Defender Cheyla Bush Named DPA’s First DEI Director
The Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is dedicated to equal and fair treatment both in the legal system and in its own workplace. Toward this end, DPA has named public defender Cheyla Bush as its first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Cheyla earned a degree in psychology and her law degree both from theContinue reading “Experienced Defender Cheyla Bush Named DPA’s First DEI Director” - Jennifer Wittmeyer Named Assistant Trial Division DirectorThe Department of Public Advocacy is pleased to announce that Jennifer Wittmeyer has been appointed as the new Assistant Trial Division Director in the Division of Trial Services. Jennifer graduated Cum Laude from George Mason School of Law in Arlington, Virginia and received her undergraduate degree from Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, Kentucky. WhileContinue reading “Jennifer Wittmeyer Named Assistant Trial Division Director”
- Damon Preston Reappointed Public Advocate
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 29, 2021) – On the recommendation of the Kentucky Public Advocacy Commission, Governor Andy Beshear has reappointed Damon Preston to serve another four-year term as Kentucky’s Public Advocate, the leader of the statewide public defender system and the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA). Commission Chair Cortney Lollar commented on the reappointment asserting, “Kentucky’sContinue reading “Damon Preston Reappointed Public Advocate”
Recent Reports and Publications
- We Must Significantly Reduce the Jail Population to Protect Kentuckians from COVID-19As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread throughout Kentucky, we urge you to heed the advice of Chief Justice Minton and “safely release as many defendants as we can as quickly as we can” from Kentucky jails. [1] [Minton Twitter] “We know what a potential disaster this could be and it’s our responsibility to work with jailersContinue reading “We Must Significantly Reduce the Jail Population to Protect Kentuckians from COVID-19”
- Status Report on the 2011 Death Penalty Assessment Team RecommendationsDPA’s Public Advocate Damon Preston, along with prior Public Advocates and Executive Directors of the Louisville Metro Public Defender’s Office, compiled this report on the lack of action taken by Kentucky to address serious deficiencies in the administration of the death penalty in Kentucky. What follows is an excerpt from the executive summary, but youContinue reading “Status Report on the 2011 Death Penalty Assessment Team Recommendations”
- Governor Turns Over Rock of Criminal Justice System, Finds Much Messiness
On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, my client Kurt Smith slept outside of a correctional facility for the first time since he was a teenager, after receiving a pardon from Governor Bevin. He was not the only one, many people received commutations and pardons that either resulted in release, or gave them hope for release for the first time ever.
Recent News Within the Agency
- Experienced Defender Cheyla Bush Named DPA’s First DEI DirectorThe Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is dedicated to equal and fair treatment both in the legal system and in its own workplace. Toward this end, DPA has named public defender Cheyla Bush as its first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Cheyla earned a degree in psychology and her law degree both from theContinue reading “Experienced Defender Cheyla Bush Named DPA’s First DEI Director”
- Jennifer Wittmeyer Named Assistant Trial Division DirectorThe Department of Public Advocacy is pleased to announce that Jennifer Wittmeyer has been appointed as the new Assistant Trial Division Director in the Division of Trial Services. Jennifer graduated Cum Laude from George Mason School of Law in Arlington, Virginia and received her undergraduate degree from Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, Kentucky. WhileContinue reading “Jennifer Wittmeyer Named Assistant Trial Division Director”
- Mark Mantooth Appointed Stanton Directing AttorneyThe Public Advocate is pleased to announce that Mark Mantooth has been appointed as the Directing Attorney of the Stanton Trial Office. Mark grew up in Morehead and taught high school English and journalism before earning his law degree. He is an alumnus of Samford University, Morehead State University, and Loyola University New Orleans CollegeContinue reading “Mark Mantooth Appointed Stanton Directing Attorney”