Leslie James “Jim” Hanson of Mt. Vernon has been appointed as the new Assistant State’s Attorney for Wayne County. Hanson began his full-time duties in Fairfield last week and will report directly to Wayne County State’s Attorney Kyle Ellis.
Hanson brings decades of legal experience to the role, having been admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1983 after graduating from the Southern Illinois University School of Law.
He steps into the position previously held by Rhonda Dinn, wife of White County Associate Judge Thomas J. Dinn, III. Dinn was hired as Assistant State’s Attorney in January 2025 and served for several months before departing the office.
Hanson’s appointment is expected to bring stability and experience to the State’s Attorney’s office as he assumes his new responsibilities