POPE COUNTY, Ill. (WJPF) – A new resident circuit judge has been appointed in Pope County.

Melissa Presser will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Joseph Leberman. Her appointment takes effect on November 28 and expires on December 2, 2024 when the Leberman vacancy will be filled by the winner of the November 2024 general election.

Before her appointment, Presser was the state’s attorney in Hardin and Pope counties. She’s also worked for DCFS and the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. Presser also operated her own private law practice.