John Parroccini

Warren County is looking for a public defender.

Longtime Chief Public Defender John Parroccini reportedly resigned on Friday.

County officials confirmed that Parroccini’s last day was Friday, July 31. He was initially hired by the county on Aug. 23, 2004.

The public defender’s office is a function of the county commissioners, not the court of common pleas.

Asked about the situation, Commissioner Ben Kafferlin did not comment, on the grounds that the issue is related to personnel.

Asked if the county has a public defender, Kafferlin said, “we are contracting with multiple attorneys until the position is filled.”

Mike Kitay, who has been in the office for two years, remains deputy public defender.

Parroccini sent an email to the Times Observer on Friday announcing his resignation. He said he would continue his private practice and made no further comment.