Joe Saia, Fayette Co. public defender, dies

Long-time defense attorney Joe Saia, who most recently served as the Chief Public Defender for Fayette County, has passed away, The Citizen has confirmed.

Saia fell ill while on vacation in June in North Carolina and had to be hospitalized for treatment of heart congestion; he had quadruple bypass surgery.

Saia has been under medical care ever since, undergoing at least six different surgeries and spending some time in a rehabilitation facility, as he fought back other various medical issues that cropped up. State public defender employees across the state have donated their sick leave to help the family, and a fund was established to help defray medical expenses at any United Community bank branch.

As soon as funeral arrangements are made we will publish them here at www.TheCitizen.com.