Meet the Attorneys

Scott Gross – Public Defender

Scott Gross has been a member of the California State Bar since 1997. He attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. Mr. Gross was the Public Defender in Calaveras County for several years before coming to Tuolumne County to practice on the defense conflict panel. He became the Public Defender of Tuolumne County in 2019. He is a member of the California Public Defenders Association.

Tony Salazar –Assistant Public Defender

Tony Salazar has been a member of the California State Bar since 1997. He attended Western State University College of Law in Fullerton California. Mr. Salazar has provided defense service through both private practice and as a public defender in Calaveras, Amador, and San Benito County's prior to joining the Tuolumne County Public Defenders Office. Mr. Salazar is committed to providing the best representation for indigent clients in Tuolumne County. 

Desiree Young –Deputy Public Defender 

Desiree Young attended Monterey College of Law and has been a member of the California State Bar since 2003. Before joining the Tuolumne County Public Defender's Office, she worked for the Public Defender and Alternate Public Defender's offices in Santa Cruz County and as an attorney for the Social Security Administration, Office of Hearings Operations. Ms. Young is a member of the California Public Defenders Association.

Emmett Stetz –Deputy Public Defender

Emmett Stetz has been a member of the California Bar since 2021.  He attended UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings).  He joined the Tuolumne County Public Defender’s Office in January 2024.  Before joining the Public Defender’s Office, he practiced Patent Prosecution as an Associate at Moser Taboada.  Mr. Stetz is a member of the California Public Defender’s Association.

Riley Hemm –Deputy Public Defender

Riley Hemm attended the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and has been a member of the Arizona Bar and California Bar since 2024. Before joining the Tuolumne County Public Defender’s Office, she worked as a law clerk for the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two. 

The Public Defender’s office may contract with outside attorneys at our discretion to assist clients, for more information please call (209)533-6370.