Winrod to get public defender

A judge has ordered public defenders to help Gainesville preacher Gordon Winrod with his defense, even if Winrod does not want their help. Winrod is charged with kidnapping six of his grandchildren and holding them at his religious compound. He says he’ll defend himself and has refused to meet with a public defender appointed to advise him. The state public defenders office had asked to be excused from the case because of Winrod’s lack of cooperation. The judge says Winrod will need advice, and a public defender should be available.