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 announces indictment in murder of Carl Leggett, Jr.
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the indictment of Terry Stiles (DOB 10-5-85) for the May 18th death of 14-year-old Carl Leggett, Jr. Stiles is now indicted for 1 count of Murder (Special Felony). If convicted, he faces the possibility of 15 years-life in prison. Stiles was originally charged with Felonious Assault for assaulting 5-month-old Carl Leggett, Jr. in July 2005. He pled guilty and was convicted of Felonious Assault (Felony 2). He [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announces prolific serial killer Samuel Little will be arraigned
MEDIA ADVISORY HAMILTON COUNTY PROSECUTOR JOSEPH T. DETERS ADVISES THAT PURSUANT TO OHIO CRIMINAL RULE 43, PROLIFIC SERIAL KILLER SAMUEL LITTLE WILL BE ARRAIGNED, PLEAD GUILTY AND SENTENCED ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019 AT NOON BEFORE JUDGE MELBA MARSH. JUDGE MARSH WILL PRESIDE OVER THIS HEARING LIVE VIA TELECONFERENCE FROM THE HAMILTON COUNTY LAW LIBRARY. ALSO PRESENT AT THIS LOCATION WILL BE PROSECUTOR JOSEPH T. DETERS AND FRANKLIN COUNTY PROSECUTOR RON O’BRIEN REPRESENTING THE STATE [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announces indictment of Geoffrey D. Drew
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. Drew is charged with raping a male elementary school student while Drew was employed at St. Jude School as the Music Minister. Drew was not a priest at the time as he was ordained in 2004. The incidents took place in Drew’s office [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters clears Sharonville Officer in August 13th shooting
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 [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters clears officers in July 31st officer-involved shooting
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 [...]
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The Hamilton County Prosecutors Office will be closed today in observance of MLK Day.
We honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to equal justice for all under the law.
The office will resume normal business hours tomorrow.
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the indictment of Liscia Willis (DOB 7/21/70) for the murder of her father, retired Cincinnati Police Officer, James Lee (“Skip”) Dunlap. Willis is now charged with 1 count of Aggravated Murder (Special Felony), 1 count of Murder (Special Felony) and 1 count of Tampering with Evidence (Felony 3). If convicted of all charges, she faces the possibility of life in prison without parole.
The Forest Park Police Department was called to the home of Skip Dunlap late on the evening of December 20th to perform a wellness check. Mr. Dunlap’s wife, who was out of town visiting relatives, became concerned when she was not able to contact her husband. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach him, she called the police and asked them to go to her home and check on her husband.
When the police arrived at the home close to midnight on December 20th, they were met at the door by defendant Liscia Willis. Willis is Mr. Dunlap’s daughter and Mrs. Willis’ step-daughter. Willis was in the home with her girlfriend and her girlfriend’s two teenage children.
The police obtained permission from Mrs. Dunlap to search the home. The police discovered blood in the front hallway, kitchen and on the steps leading to the basement. Mr. Dunlap was found dead at the bottom of the basement stairs covered in blankets.
The Hamilton County Coroner’s preliminary report ruled Mr. Dunlap’s death a homicide as the result of hemorrhagic shock due to a stab wound of the neck with perforation of the left carotid artery.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters commented, “This is such a sad case.
Skip Dunlap was a long-time well respected Cincinnati Police Officer. It is hard to understand that he could retire from a dangerous job without injury only to be killed by a family member.”
From the Deters Family (including new-grandson Jack) to everyone celebrating today: Merry Christmas.
We are blessed to be part of such a wonderful community filled with such wonderful people.
Thank you to all, especially to those in our military and first responder community who cannot be home with their families today.
The Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorneys Office will be closed today and tomorrow.
On behalf of Prosecutor Joe Deters and the entire staff, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season!
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the referral of a State of Ohio Auditor report regarding the "Gang of Five" case to a special prosecutor.
The report from the State Auditor concludes:
"POTENTIAL VIOLATIONS
This investigative summary focuses on potential criminal violations by five individual members of the City of Cincinnati Council - - ALEXANDER PAUL GEORGE (“P.G.”) SITTENFIELD, CHRISTOPHER (“CHRIS”) SEELBACH, GREG LANDSMAN, TAMAYA DENNARD, and WENDELL YOUNG - -specifically, Dereliction of Duty, although the conduct described may constitute additional violations of the Ohio Revised Code. This report identifies evidence currently known and will be updated with additional information, if received. Based upon the results of the foregoing investigation, the Auditor of State, Special Investigations Unit, respectfully requests the Prosecuting Attorney consider prosecution of the named individuals for the following offense:
Dereliction of Duty: From on or about January 19, 2018, until on or about March 24, 2018, P.G. SITTENFIELD, CHRIS SEELBACH, GREG LANDSMAN, TAMAYA DENNARD and WENDELL YOUNG, public servants serving as elected officers of a political subdivision, recklessly failed
to perform a duty expressly imposed by law with respect to the public servant’s office, or recklessly did an act expressly forbidden by law with respect to the public servant’s office, to wit: took official action and conducted deliberations upon official business by a majority of the public body, outside of the requirements of the City of Cincinnati Charter and the Open Meetings Act which requires such actions to be done only in open meetings, such actions constituting the offense of Dereliction of Duty, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.44(E), a misdemeanor of the second degree."
Both the Hamilton County Prosecutor and the Cincinnati City Solicitor petitioned the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas to appoint a special prosecutor as they have a conflict. Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Charles Kubicki appointed Patrick J. Hanley as the special prosecutor.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters commented, “I am glad that a special prosecutor will review this matter so that the public will have confidence that their elected officials are performing their duties in an honest and open manner.
Patrick J. Hanley, an experienced attorney, has been appointed by the court to handle this case. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to determine whether any charges are appropriate.”