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.”
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Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters comments on former Judge Tracie Hunter
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters issued the following statement on the matter of former Judge Tracie Hunter: “My office provides legal representation for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas judges. When allegations of potential criminal conduct arose against former Judge Tracie Hunter, I realized that I had a conflict and requested the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas appoint other lawyers to review the allegations against her and decide if criminal charges [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announces no charges for officers in July 4th officer involved shooting
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced that no charges would be filed against the officers in the July 4th officer involved shooting in Bramble Park. On July 4th at approximately 10:21 a.m. the police received a 911 call to respond to Bramble Park located at 6395 Bramble Avenue regarding a man with a knife. The caller described the man as a male black wearing an orange shirt and khaki pants. The caller said [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announces indictment in theft and money laundering case
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the indictment of Vernon Johnson (DOB 9/14/92); DeMarlo Harris (DOB 11/10/89); DeShay Melton (DOB 8/26/93); Shammon Richard (DOB 7/30/97); and Karen Smith (DOB 1/5/92) on charges involving the theft of over $1 million dollars from Fifth Third Bank. Johnson is charged with 1 count of Theft (Felony 2), 1 count of Telecommunications Fraud (Felony 1), 1 count of Forgery (Felony 3), 2 counts of Money Laundering (Felony [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announce Indictment in Serial Killer case
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien announced the indictment of Samuel Little aka Samuel McDowell (DOB 6/7 /40) for the murders of 2 former Cincinnati residents. In case B-1902543, Little is charged with one count of murder in the October 11, 1981 death of Annie Lee Stewart aka Anna Stewart (DOB 10/17/48). If convicted, he faces 15 years to life in prison. Ohio did not have the death [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announces no charges for woman who shot ex-boyfriend who broke into her home
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced that no charges would be filed against the woman who shot her ex-boyfriend who broke into her home. The woman is not being named since she does not face charges. Cincinnati Police responded to a residence in the 2500 block of Ring Place in East Price Hill after receiving a 911 call at approximately 4:30 a.m. today. When the police arrived, they located Dante Ruff suffering from [...]
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Today, along with Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters was present on behalf of the State of Ohio for the plea and sentencing of prolific serial killer Samuel Little, who appeared via teleconference from the California State Prison in Los Angeles County.
Present in Los Angeles was Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Piepmeier, alongside Cincinnati Police Homicide Detective Kelly Best and Texas Ranger James Holland.
We are all proud to see justice finally done on behalf of Samuel Little's victims in Hamilton County.
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the indictment of Geoffrey D. Drew. Drew is now indicted on 9 counts of Rape (Aggravated Felony 1) for a period ranging from 1988-1991 while Drew was employed at St. Jude School as the Music Minister.
We are now even more convinced that there may be additional victims out there, and we urge anyone with information about Drew to contact CPD Officer Dana Jones at (513) 352-6947.
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced that the police officer involved in the August 13th Sharonville shooting was justified in his actions and no charges would be filed against him.
Sharonville Police were dispatched to Sonesta ES Suites at 2670 E. Kemper Road at approximately 12:30 a.m. on the 13th. Sharonville Police received a call detailing a man holding his adult daughter hostage at that location. The caller reported that the man was using drugs and had a gun. She also said that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. She told the dispatcher that the man was threatening to jump out a window and make his daughter do the same.
Sharonville Officers responded and then requested assistance from the Hamilton County Police Association SWAT Team.
At approximately 2:30 a.m. the man, now known as Duane Harrison, left this room armed with a handgun and confronted police in a common area by firing one shot. Sharonville Police Officer Sean Grogan returned fire and fired 3 shots at Harrison.
Harrison was struck 3 times in the arm, chest and ankle. He was transported to Bethesda North Hospital and later to University Hospital for surgery. He remains in University Hospital in stable condition.
No one else was injured.
Harrison is now charged with 1 count of Attempted Murder on a Police Officer, 1 count of Felonious Assault on a Police Officer and 1 count of Weapon Under Disability.
No video captured the incident.
The incident was reviewed by both the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Deters commented, “Once again we thank the police for their dedication and bravery. The SWAT team and Sharonville police responded to a dangerous situation with an armed person who provoked an altercation with the police. As we saw in Dayton, these officers ran toward danger to protect innocent people.
The police prevented what could have been a much different situation with potential harm to many innocent people.”
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced that no charges will be filed against the officers in the July 31st officer- involved shooting on Geyer Woods Lane in Westwood.
On July 31st at approximately 10:30 a.m. Robert Schneider (DOB 10/21/72) robbed the Marathon Station located at 6050 Cheviot Road at gunpoint. A car chase ensued with numerous police agencies, including the Hamilton County Sheriff’s department helicopter, attempting to stop Schneider’s vehicle. Schneider eventually stopped his car and fled from the police on foot.
Schneider ran through a residential neighborhood brandishing a handgun and pointing it directly at police officers. He tried unsuccessfully to enter a residence. He then ran across the street and tried to gain entrance, again unsuccessfully, to another home located at the end of Geyer Woods Lane. The female homeowner struggled with Schneider at the door but was able to keep her door closed and prevent him from gaining entry.
P.O. Timothy Bittner, Cheviot Police Department, ordered him to drop his gun. Schneider refused his commands and Office Bittner fired one shot at the suspect.
P.O. Barbara Aylward, Green Township Police Department, joined the pursuit as Schneider was attempting to gain entrance to the second residence. Aylward fired three shots and Bittner fired one additional shot for a total of five shots fired at Schneider.
Schneider was struck in the head and torso. Schneider’s gun was still in his hand when the officers approached him after he had been shot.
Schneider was transported to University Hospital where he stayed until he died early this morning.
Prosecutor Deters commented, “This is another example of tremendous bravery by the police. Officers Bittner and Aylward are to be commended for chasing and apprehending a dangerous suspect before he could cause more harm to innocent people.
There are not enough accolades to truly express the gratitude that our community feels for our first responders.
My thanks to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department for conducting the investigation and to all of the police agencies that participated in this chase: Cincinnati, Cheviot, Colerain, Green Township and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department.”
Interested in learning more about a career in the law or as a prosecutor? The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office employs numerous interns and externs every year, including legal interns who have the ability to gain experience engaging in limited courtroom practice.
Many of our interns and externs have gone on to become full-time members of the office as assistant prosecuting attorneys! To learn more, or to apply, visit our website at hcpros.org.