YOUNG HARRIS,GA – During a recent biannual Circuit Public Defender meeting Executive Director Omotayo Alli of the Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) installed new Circuit Public Defenders to lead the Coweta, Oconee, and Mountain Judicial Circuits.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ricardo Samper, Ashley McLaughlin, and Jeanne Tiger into their new roles,” Alli said after their swearing-in ceremonies. “Their expertise and dedication to public service will further strengthen our commitment to ensuring justice and due process for all Georgians.”
GPDC Circuit Public Defenders oversee staff members, including assistant public defenders, investigators, and other professionals, within their respective judicial circuits. They actively engage with the community and promote the importance of public defense.
Introducing the new GPDC Circuit Public Defenders
THE KARAOKE KING
Ricardo Samper manages the Coweta Judicial Circuit which includes Coweta, Meriwether, and Troup counties.
Samper brings a wealth of legal experience to his new role as circuit public defender. Samper’s career includes a Juris Doctor degree from the Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University, was in private practices before becoming a passionate defense advocate in his community. Outside of his legal work, Samper is a family-oriented, enjoying spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. An avid outdoor enthusiast, he loves boating and other outdoor activities. Adding flair to his life, Samper also operates a karaoke business, bringing joy and entertainment to his community. Contact Samper at the Coweta Judicial Circuit.
THE HOMETOWN HERO
Ashley McLaughlin leads the Oconee Judicial Circuit which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, and Wheeler counties.
McLaughlin is a dedicated attorney with extensive experience in the Georgia legal system. McLaughlin is a native of McRae-Helena, Georgia and graduated from Telfair County High School and a Florida State University College of Law graduate. He began his career in private practice before serving as an assistant public defender in the Oconee Judicial Circuit since 2014. He resides in McRae-Helena, Georgia, with his wife of 24 years, Heather. Their twin sons are currently attending Valdosta State University. Contact McLaughlin at the Oconee Judicial Circuit.
THE DEFENDING CHAMPION
Jeanne C. Tiger heads the Mountain Judicial Circuit which includes Habersham, Rabun, and Stephens counties.
Tiger’s extensive criminal defense experience and commitment to defending the rights of indigent clients make her a key addition to the management ranks. Tiger worked with the legal aid clinic in Athens while in law school at the University of Georgia and has been in criminal defense ever since and is passionate about criminal defense and defending the rights of indigent clients.
Tiger and her husband have two adult daughters. She loves to backpack, camp, ride motorcycles, and travel. Contact Tiger at the Mountain Judicial Circuit.
Each was promoted from chief assistant public defender in their circuits, reflecting Director Alli’s preference for promoting those within the agency.
To have one of these newly appointed Circuit Public Defenders speak at a civic or community event, please contact their respective Circuit office.
Founded by the Georgia General Assembly in 2003, The GPDC represents approximately 85 percent of all state criminal cases in Georgia. GPDC’s 400+ attorneys operating from GPDC offices across Georgia. Learn more at www.gapubdef.org/ .
