Macomb County has a new public defender leading an office of nearly two dozen attorneys providing legal defense and representation to those who cannot afford it in Michigan's third most populous county.

Erin Freers-Cole was appointed public defender to replace Tom Tomko , a veteran defense attorney who was tapped to establish, then lead the office when it was new to the county beginning in March 2020. Tomko is retiring Oct. 3.

County Executive Mark Hackel announced the appointment of Freers-Cole in September. She served as the chief trial lawyer in the public defender's office and has more than 18 years of legal experience, including criminal defense and public service.

The salary range for her position is $108,293-$154,135, according to the county's adopted 2025 budget , which li

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