Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Joseph T. Deters, Prosecuting Attorney
“It’s an honor and privilege to serve as the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney. Our office is dedicated to serving the citizens of Hamilton County. I hope our website is helpful to you in explaining the many duties of the County Prosecutor and by giving you someone to contact if you have questions.”
Press/Media |
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters comments on recent unrest in Cincinnati
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters commented: “I support peaceful protests and the exercise of individuals’ First Amendment rights. As I stated on May 29th, what happened to George Floyd was horrible to watch and totally unjustified. However, looting and rioting do nothing to solve any of our problems or bring change to the justice system and do nothing to honor the memory of George Floyd. Our local law enforcement agencies have done an [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announces death penalty indictment against spree killer Alto Miles
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced a death penalty indictment against Alto Miles (DOB 8/30/77). Miles is now charged with 4 counts of Aggravated Murder (Special Felony with death penalty specifications and 4 ½ year gun specifications) and 2 counts of Weapon Under Disability (Felony 3). If convicted of all charges, he faces the possibility of the death penalty. On or about April 8th – 10th, Alto Miles shot and killed Tasia Mason [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announces death penalty indictment of Terry Blankenship for murder of Springdale Police Officer Kaia Grant
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the 10 count indictment of Terry Blankenship (DOB 12/13/77). Blankenship is now charged with 1 count of Aggravated Burglary (ORC Section 2911.11 (A) (2) Felony 1 with a 3 year gun specification), and 1 count of Felonious Assault (ORC Section 2903.11 (A) (2) Felony 2 with a 3 year gun specification) for incidents that occurred on March 19th in Clinton County, Ohio. The remaining 8 counts are [...]
Judge Ralph Winkler offers the use of his courtroom to Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters to resume grand jury hearings
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters is pleased to announce an agreement with Hamilton County Probate Judge Ralph Winkler for the use of his courtroom to restart the process of seating two grand juries. The grand jury selection process is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 18TH. A minimum of 26 people are needed to seat both grand juries. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office does not have the space to socially distance two grand juries [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters comments on FOP press conference
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters commented, "I understand and share in the FOP's concern and frustration with violent offenders being released on low bonds. Those in the community who advocate for the release of violent repeat offenders are just plain wrong. Violent repeat offenders will continue to re-offend and wreak havoc in our community. I am fine with low level non-violent offenders being released on low bonds. However, I instruct my assistants to [...]
|
|
The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Officer will be closed today in observance of Independence Day.
On behalf of Prosecutor Joe Deters and the entire staff, we wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announces the misdemeanor assault indictment of Hamilton County Sheriff Sgt. Jesse Franklin for a June 9th assault of inmate Nick Ballachino in the Hamilton County Justice Center (“Justice Center”).
Franklin is charged with 1 count of Assault (ORC §2903.13 (A) Misdemeanor 1). This case will be transferred to the City of Cincinnati as they prosecute all misdemeanors that occur in the city limits. If convicted, Sgt. Franklin faces up to 6 months in the Justice Center.
On June 9th Ballachino was arrested for Disorderly Conduct While Intoxicated (Misdemeanor 4) and Obstructing Official Business (Misdemeanor 2) by the Cincinnati Police Department and transported to the Justice Center for processing pursuant to his arrest.
When they arrived at the Justice Center, Ballachino became combative with the officers trying to process him. While the officers were trying to subdue him, Ballachino bit Franklin’s left foot. Franklin was wearing work boots when this happened. Video from the Justice Center shows Franklin immediately kicking Ballachino one time in the head after he bit him.
Ballachino was taken to University Hospital where he was treated and released back to the Justice Center. As a result of this incident, he sustained a cut above his left eye which required 5 stitches. He did not receive serious physical harm which would be required for a felony assault charge.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters commented, “Not everyone has the temperament to be a police officer. In this case, and as I have throughout my career, when I see criminal violations, I will pursue them according to the law.
Maintaining a professional, 21st century police force is expensive to society, but pays for itself many times over.
Actions like this are a harsh reminder that resources must be dedicated to recruiting the right kind of officers and ensuring that they have the proper equipment, knowledge, training and temperament to do the job that citizens want and expect.”
This week, the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office says goodbye to Martha Corman, a 30 year veteran of the office's civil division.
Over the years, Martha has been our go-to resource for employees who needed help navigating the insurance landscape or understanding their benefits. She came to work every day with a positive attitude and a desire to be a problem solver in a field that can frustrate even the most knowledgeable people.
Congratulations on your retirement, Martha! On behalf of everyone in Hamilton County, thank you for your years of dedicated public service.
This morning, Prosecutor Joe Deters appeared before Judge Elizabeth Callan to oppose a request for bond reduction on the Stoney Brown case.
Stoney Brown has been indicted in four violent sexual assault cases that date back to the mid-1990s.
After hearing arguments, Judge Callan ordered that Brown’s bond remain set at $4 million.
This morning, Prosecutor Joe Deters appeared in court before Judge Elizabeth Callan on the Terry Blankenship case. Blankenship was arraigned on all charges, including the Aggravated Murder charge arising from his killing of Springdale Police Officer Kaia Grant.
At the request of the Prosecutor's Office, due to the severe and demonstrated risk to the public he poses, Judge Callan ordered Blankenship to be held without bond as he awaits trial.