Allegheny County fires chief public defender

Allegheny County’s chief public defender was fired Wednesday following a monthlong human resources investigation.

Lena Bryan-Henderson was appointed by County Executive Sara Innamorato in January 2024, becoming the first Black woman to hold the position.

Less than 18 months later, on April 7, she was placed on administrative leave.

At the time she was escorted off county property.

Bryan-Henderson and her attorney, Joe Pass, both declined comment Wednesday evening.

Abigail Gardner, a county spokesperson, confirmed the termination, saying only that it was a result of the investigation.

She provided no details of what that investigation revealed.

However, in a letter Bryan-Henderson sent to her supporters shortly after her removal, she said she was told that 25 allegations were made against her. The county did not reveal how many people made those claims.

“Some were submitted anonymously, and for those that were not, names were not disclosed,” she wrote in her letter.

According to the message, Bryan-Henderson said the county asked her if she had ever said “pregnancy makes women ‘dumber’ or if she had said Native Americans ‘don’t have real problems.’”

She said she was also asked whether she questions people about their gender at birth.

Bryan-Henderson began working in the public defender’s office in 1991. During her time as an assistant public defender, she also operated a private criminal practice.

During her tenure as chief public defender, Henderson hired a manager for social work and a community liaison, as well as expanded representation for defendants at arraignment.

The county will conduct a search for a new public defender, Gardner said.

For now, Chief Deputy Public Defender Andy Howard will serve as acting chief public defender.