Rhode Island / Public Defender

Agency file

Public Defender

Source file: Rhode Island — State Employee Payroll / ingested Jun 18, 2026

The Public Defender handles legal functions of government — prosecution, legal advice, and representing the state in court.

In 2026, this agency had 109 employees with median total compensation of $23,153; the highest distinct record was $63,069.

Year: 2026
Employees: 109
Median total: $23,153
Highest record: $63,069

What the records show

Compensation analytics

These summaries compare pay within the agency before listing individual records.

Salary distribution

$753$43,959+

How 2026 total compensation is spread across the 109 employees. Each bar is a pay range; taller bars mean more people earn in that range. The amber line marks the median ($23,153) — half earn less, half more. The far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Average pay composition

Base — $23,871 (97%)
Overtime — $0 (0%)
Other — $654 (3%)
Benefits — $0 (0%)

What an average paycheck here is made of — base salary versus overtime, other pay (bonuses, allowances), and benefits. A large overtime or other-pay share means take-home often exceeds base salary.

Pay percentiles

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$11,960

$15,299

$23,153

$34,628

$37,412

The pay ladder for this department. Someone at the 90th percentile earns $37,412 — more than 90% of the department; the 10th percentile earns $11,960. The shaded band is the middle half of employees (25th–75th percentile).

Largest job titles

Assistant Public Defender

20 · $35,521

Assistant Public Defender I

13 · $34,833

Staff Attorney II

12 · $21,753

Administrative Secretary

10 · $12,106

Assist Public Defender II

7 · $31,285

The most common job titles in this department by headcount, with the median total compensation for each. Click a title to see everyone who holds it.

Record list

Employees

Highest-paid first / page 1

Michelle Alves

Staff Attorney VII/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$139,844

Base pay: $139,844
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $139,844

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $134,665
Middle Initial: M
Total Pay: $139,844

Michelle Alves holds the role of Staff Attorney VII at Public Defender. In 2024, their total compensation was $139,844.

Kara Maguire

Chief Trial Division/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$133,185

Base pay: $133,185
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,185

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $128,252
Middle Initial: J
Total Pay: $133,185

Kara Maguire holds the role of Chief Trial Division at Public Defender. In 2024, their total compensation was $133,185.

Anne Travers

Assistant Public Defender I/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$131,223

Base pay: $131,223
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $131,223

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $126,363
Middle Initial: C
Total Pay: $131,223

Anne Travers is a Assistant Public Defender I at Public Defender. 2024 total compensation came to $131,223.

John Cotoia

Assistant Public Defender I/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$131,223

Base pay: $131,223
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $131,223

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $126,363
Middle Initial: P
Total Pay: $131,223

John Cotoia holds the role of Assistant Public Defender I at Public Defender. In 2024, their total compensation was $131,223.

Sarah Potter

Trainer Assistant Public Defender/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$125,119

Base pay: $125,119
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $125,119

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $122,585
Middle Initial: A
Total Pay: $125,119

Sarah Potter holds the role of Trainer Assistant Public Defender at Public Defender. In 2024, their total compensation was $125,119.

Jeffrey Peckham

Trainer Assistant Public Defender/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$124,465

Base pay: $124,465
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $124,465

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $122,585
Middle Initial: D
Total Pay: $124,465

Jeffrey Peckham works as a Trainer Assistant Public Defender for Public Defender. Jeffrey earned $124,465 in 2024.

Philip Vicini

Trainer Assistant Public Defender/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$124,465

Base pay: $124,465
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $124,465

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $122,585
Middle Initial: F
Total Pay: $124,465

Philip Vicini works as a Trainer Assistant Public Defender for Public Defender. Philip earned $124,465 in 2024.

Daniel Ciora

Assistant Public Defender I/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$122,847

Base pay: $122,847
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $122,847

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $118,297
Middle Initial: E
Total Pay: $122,847

Daniel Ciora works as a Assistant Public Defender I for Public Defender. Daniel earned $122,847 in 2024.

Stephen Peltier

Assistant Public Defender I/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$117,263

Base pay: $117,263
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $117,263

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $112,920
Middle Initial: M
Total Pay: $117,263

Stephen Peltier works as a Assistant Public Defender I for Public Defender. Stephen earned $117,263 in 2024.

Brian Leclair

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$114,667

Base pay: $114,667
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,667

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $110,420
Middle Initial: A
Total Pay: $114,667

At Public Defender, Brian Leclair serves as a Assist Public Defender II. Their 2024 pay totaled $114,667.

Helena Sturtevant

Assistant Public Defender I/Public Defender

2025 total comp

$112,189

Base pay: $111,176
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,014
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,189

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $118,566
Middle Initial: R
Total Pay: $112,189

Helena Sturtevant holds the role of Assistant Public Defender I at Public Defender. In 2025, their total compensation was $112,189.

Angela Yingling

Assistant Public Defender I/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$111,679

Base pay: $111,679
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $111,679

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $107,543
Total Pay: $111,679

Angela Yingling works as a Assistant Public Defender I for Public Defender. Angela earned $111,679 in 2024.

Megan Jackson

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$109,455

Base pay: $109,455
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,455

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $105,401
Middle Initial: F
Total Pay: $109,455

Megan Jackson holds the role of Assist Public Defender II at Public Defender. In 2024, their total compensation was $109,455.

Chester Wilkie Iii

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$109,455

Base pay: $109,455
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,455

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $105,401
Middle Initial: R
Total Pay: $109,455

At Public Defender, Chester Wilkie Iii serves as a Assist Public Defender II. Their 2024 pay totaled $109,455.

Helena Sturtevant

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$109,455

Base pay: $109,455
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,455

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $105,401
Middle Initial: R
Total Pay: $109,455

Helena Sturtevant holds the role of Assist Public Defender II at Public Defender. In 2024, their total compensation was $109,455.

Elaine Brunetti

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$109,455

Base pay: $109,455
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,455

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $105,401
Middle Initial: J
Total Pay: $109,455

Elaine Brunetti works as a Assist Public Defender II for Public Defender. Elaine earned $109,455 in 2024.

Eric Slingo

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$104,589

Base pay: $104,243
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $347
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,589

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $100,382
Middle Initial: C
Total Pay: $104,589

At Public Defender, Eric Slingo serves as a Assist Public Defender II. Their 2024 pay totaled $104,589.

Martine Casey

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$104,243

Base pay: $104,243
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,243

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $100,382
Middle Initial: L
Total Pay: $104,243

Martine Casey holds the role of Assist Public Defender II at Public Defender. In 2024, their total compensation was $104,243.

Andrew Mcelroy

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$104,243

Base pay: $104,243
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,243

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $100,382
Middle Initial: J
Total Pay: $104,243

At Public Defender, Andrew Mcelroy serves as a Assist Public Defender II. Their 2024 pay totaled $104,243.

Camille Mckenna

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$103,971

Base pay: $103,971
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,971

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $100,382
Middle Initial: A
Total Pay: $103,971

Camille Mckenna works as a Assist Public Defender II for Public Defender. Camille earned $103,971 in 2024.

Susannah Cotter

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$103,156

Base pay: $103,156
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,156

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $100,382
Middle Initial: D
Total Pay: $103,156

Susannah Cotter holds the role of Assist Public Defender II at Public Defender. In 2024, their total compensation was $103,156.

Rebecca Tougas

Assistant Public Defender III/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$101,755

Base pay: $101,755
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,755

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $97,986
Middle Initial: J
Total Pay: $101,755

Rebecca Tougas works as a Assistant Public Defender III for Public Defender. Rebecca earned $101,755 in 2024.

Sean Powers

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2025 total comp

$99,412

Base pay: $98,515
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $897
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,412

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $105,401
Total Pay: $99,412

At Public Defender, Sean Powers serves as a Assist Public Defender II. Their 2025 pay totaled $99,412.

Michael Mcentee Jr

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defender

2025 total comp

$99,152

Base pay: $98,255
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $897
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,152

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $103,077
Middle Initial: S
Total Pay: $99,152

Michael Mcentee Jr works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defender. Michael earned $99,152 in 2025.

Glen Whitehead

Assistant Public Defender III/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$96,909

Base pay: $96,909
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,909

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $93,320
Middle Initial: R
Total Pay: $96,909

Glen Whitehead is a Assistant Public Defender III at Public Defender. 2024 total compensation came to $96,909.

Sean Powers

Assistant Public Defender III/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$96,909

Base pay: $96,909
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,909

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $93,320
Total Pay: $96,909

Sean Powers is a Assistant Public Defender III at Public Defender. 2024 total compensation came to $96,909.

Chelsea Haggerty

Assistant Public Defender III/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$96,909

Base pay: $96,909
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,909

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $93,320
Middle Initial: A
Total Pay: $96,909

Chelsea Haggerty is a Assistant Public Defender III at Public Defender. 2024 total compensation came to $96,909.

Lucy Kissel

Assistant Public Defender I/Public Defender

2025 total comp

$95,287

Base pay: $93,436
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,852
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,287

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $99,560
Middle Initial: E
Total Pay: $95,287

Lucy Kissel works as a Assistant Public Defender I for Public Defender. Lucy earned $95,287 in 2025.

Michael Ewart

Assistant Public Defender III/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$93,679

Base pay: $93,679
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $93,679

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $93,320
Middle Initial: G
Total Pay: $93,679

At Public Defender, Michael Ewart serves as a Assistant Public Defender III. Their 2024 pay totaled $93,679.

Joshua Soares

Assistant Public Defender III/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$86,151

Base pay: $86,151
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $86,151

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $85,338
Middle Initial: A
Total Pay: $86,151

Joshua Soares holds the role of Assistant Public Defender III at Public Defender. In 2024, their total compensation was $86,151.

Colin Roy

Assist Public Defender II/Public Defender

2025 total comp

$81,838

Base pay: $81,135
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $704
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $81,838

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $93,006
Middle Initial: E
Total Pay: $81,838

Colin Roy works as a Assist Public Defender II for Public Defender. Colin earned $81,838 in 2025.

Nicholas Smalley

Assistant Public Defender III/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$81,072

Base pay: $81,072
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $81,072

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $82,323
Middle Initial: D
Total Pay: $81,072

At Public Defender, Nicholas Smalley serves as a Assistant Public Defender III. Their 2024 pay totaled $81,072.

Tiffany Davila

Staff Attorney II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$80,736

Base pay: $80,736
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $80,736

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $79,090
Middle Initial: E
Total Pay: $80,736

Tiffany Davila is a Staff Attorney II at Public Defender. 2024 total compensation came to $80,736.

Kayla Faria

Staff Attorney II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$79,805

Base pay: $79,805
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,805

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $79,090
Middle Initial: A
Total Pay: $79,805

Kayla Faria holds the role of Staff Attorney II at Public Defender. In 2024, their total compensation was $79,805.

Adam Northup

Assistant Public Defender III/Public Defender

2025 total comp

$77,973

Base pay: $77,294
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $679
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $77,973

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $86,439
Middle Initial: G
Total Pay: $77,973

Adam Northup holds the role of Assistant Public Defender III at Public Defender. In 2025, their total compensation was $77,973.

Brittani Mulholland

Staff Attorney II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$77,719

Base pay: $77,719
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $77,719

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $79,090
Middle Initial: P
Total Pay: $77,719

At Public Defender, Brittani Mulholland serves as a Staff Attorney II. Their 2024 pay totaled $77,719.

Samantha Derocha

Staff Attorney II/Public Defender

2025 total comp

$77,476

Base pay: $76,772
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $704
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $77,476

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $80,114
Middle Initial: M
Total Pay: $77,476

At Public Defender, Samantha Derocha serves as a Staff Attorney II. Their 2025 pay totaled $77,476.

Marc Popkin

Assist Public Defender IV/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$77,331

Base pay: $77,331
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $77,331

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $75,844
Middle Initial: S
Total Pay: $77,331

Marc Popkin works as a Assist Public Defender IV for Public Defender. Marc earned $77,331 in 2024.

Connor Reardon

Staff Attorney II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$77,124

Base pay: $77,124
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $77,124

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $76,299
Middle Initial: P
Total Pay: $77,124

Connor Reardon works as a Staff Attorney II for Public Defender. Connor earned $77,124 in 2024.

Chad Stroum

Staff Attorney II/Public Defender

2024 total comp

$73,360

Base pay: $73,360
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $73,360

Source-specific fields

Annual Pay: $76,299
Middle Initial: O
Total Pay: $73,360

Chad Stroum is a Staff Attorney II at Public Defender. 2024 total compensation came to $73,360.