Montgomery County's Head Public Defender Has Been Replaced

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County has announced a leadership change in the public defender's office.

Dean Beer, the longtime chief public defender, is no longer employed by the county, a spokesperson confirmed. One of his deputy chiefs, Keisha Hudson Brooks, is also out.

When questioned, officials declined to elaborate on whether Beer had resigned or why he was no longer employed, noting they would not comment on personnel matters.

A report in the Philadelphia Inquirer Wednesday notes that the move comes just weeks after Beer's office filed a brief criticizing the county's practice of setting bail hearings without lawyers present. Beer was known as a staunch advocate for the basic rights of the accused.

The office will now be led by new co-chief deputy public defenders Carol Sweeney and Greg Nester. Each presently oversees a unit a within the office.

Sweeney is the case management chief, while Nester has led the mental health unit up to now.

"Both are senior leaders who will bring their experience, skills and expertise to bear in leading the office and ensuring our most vulnerable residents receive high-quality representation while also moving forward on needed reforms and partnerships to improve the justice system," the county said in a statement announcing the move.

This is a breaking story. It will be updated as additional details become available.