Joliet Criminal Defense Attorney Will Take Over Will County Public Defender's Office

JOLIET, IL — A Joliet criminal defense attorney who has represented a number of high-profile Joliet area criminal defendants in recent years will be closing down her private law practice to take over the Will County Public Defender's Office.

According to Wednesday's press release, the Circuit Judges of Will County are pleased to announce that they have selected Kristine M. Honiotes to replace Michael J. Renzi as Will County Public Defender effective Nov. 1.

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Honiotes received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Illinois in 2002 and received her Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in 2005. She worked as an Assistant Public Defender in Will County from 2006 to 2015 and has been in private practice since that time. Ms. Honiotes has served as a president of the Will County Women’s Bar Association, has served in leadership of both the Will County and Illinois State Bar Associations, and has been actively involved in local community organizations.

Chief Judge Dan Kennedy stated, “I congratulate Kristine on her selection as Will County Public Defender. She brings a wealth of talent and experience to her new role. She will provide outstanding representation for her clients and will serve as an excellent leader for the Public Defender staff. On behalf of the judiciary, I welcome her and wish her great success in her new job.”

Wednesday's press release from Kennedy's office did not include a photo for Honiotes.

This year, Joliet Patch has produced a number of stories pertaining to Honiotes and her representation of now-fired Joliet District 86 janitor Jeremy Ledesma, who faces child pornography charges as a result of a lengthy 2025 Will County Sheriff's Office investigation, a case first reported by Joliet Patch.

In April, Joliet Patch produced the following headline, "Joliet Child Pornography Defendant Jeremy Ledesma Wants To Visit Public Libraries, Judge Issues Her Ruling."

According to the article, exactly three months after now-fired Joliet Public School District 86 janitor Jeremy Ledesma regained his freedom from the Will County Jail, the Joliet child pornography defendant had another successful outcome inside the Will County Courthouse.

Will County Judge Amy Christiansen — against the wishes of the Will County State's Attorney's Office of Jim Glasgow — ruled in favor of Ledesma and Honiotes.

According to the judge's decision, "it is hereby ordered that, over the People's objection, the defendant's pretrial release is modified to allow him to travel to a public facility such as a public library for the purpose of using the Internet to seek employment."

While Ledesma was in the Will County Jail back in January for a total of eight days, he was terminated by his employer, Joliet Public School District 86, at the January school board meeting. Ledesma worked as a janitor at Eisenhower Academy and had custodial duties at Keith Grade School.

Judge Christiansen's order goes on to state that, "He shall be allowed to travel to the library and remain there for two hours a total of two times per week. He shall not use the Internet for any other purpose other than to seek employment."

Honiotes was also responsible for serving as the criminal defense lawyer for ousted Joliet Big Brothers/Big Sisters CEO Ted Brodeur, whose name is included on a large plaque inside the Joliet Park District's Inwood Athletic Center.

Brodeur took over as chief executive officer of the Joliet-based Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization in August 2019, immediately after working for more than 30 years with the Joliet Park District, where he served as one of the top park district officials.

In February, Joliet Patch reported that Brodeur, the former high-ranking Joliet Park District official who was investigated for allegations of embezzlement of funds from the Joliet-based Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization of Will and Grundy Counties, pleaded guilty to felony theft at the Will County Courthouse.

Will County Sheriff's Sgt. Chris Cavera informed Joliet Patch that Brodeur was ordered to repay $40,000 in total restitution as part of his sentence. Brodeur had to repay $20,000 at the time of his guilty plea and sentencing and he must repay the remaining $20,000 when his court supervision ends two years from now.

Brodeur was sentenced by Will County Judge John Connor to 24 months of court probation.