Nixon names three public defender commissioners

In this February 2015 file photo, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon addresses the media.
In this February 2015 file photo, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon addresses the media.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon on Friday filled two vacancies on the state Public Defender Commission and replaced one member whose term had expired.

All three are from eastern Missouri.

Oliver Glenn Boyer, of Crystal City, and Thomas W. Neer, of Defiance, are filling the vacant positions.

James J. Sievers, of Des Peres, will succeed Doug Copeland.

The seven-member commission is responsible for hiring the state public defender system's director - currently Michael Barrett - and making any rules needed for administering the state system.

Because the Legislature isn't in session, the appointees can begin serving immediately but still are subject to the Missouri Senate's confirmation when the new General Assembly begins in January.

All three were named to terms ending Aug. 25, 2022.

Boyer, a Democrat, has served as Jefferson County's sheriff since 1993. He launched his law enforcement career with the Missouri Highway Patrol in 1974. He also served in the United States Army as a military policeman and in the United States Air Force as a military intelligence specialist.

He's a past president of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association.

Neer, a Republican, served as St. Charles County sheriff from 2005-15. A St. Charles native, he started with the sheriff's department as a deputy in 1974 and worked his way through the ranks as a sergeant, lieutenant and captain before being elected sheriff.

Neer's experience includes professional law enforcement training on the local, state and federal level.

Sievers, a Democrat, is an attorney with the Brentwood-based law firm, Sievers & Associates.

He graduated from Saint Louis University's Law School and interned at the St. Louis Public Defenders Office.

His law practice has included defense work.