By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The longtime director of the Missouri public defender system is retiring next year.
Marty Robinson has held the title of chief public defender for 16 years. Deputy director Cat Kelly has been appointed by the Missouri Public Defender Commission to replace Robinson when he retires at the end of February.
Kelly joined the Missouri Public Defender system in 1984 and was named deputy director in 2006. She lives in St. Louis.
Missouri's public defenders represent criminal defendants in state court who face possible jail time but cannot afford to hire their own lawyers.