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 of Devonta Allen
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the indictment of Devonta Allen (DOB 2/9/01) for the July 25th shooting on Tyne Avenue in Kennedy Heights. Allen is now indicted on 4 counts of Attempted Murder (Felony 1), 4 counts of Felonious Assault (Felony 2) and 3 counts of Ethnic Intimidation (Felony 5). If convicted of all charges, he faces the possibility of over 60 years in prison. On July 25th at approximately 11:00 a.m. [...]
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announces no charges for officers in July 16th officer involved shooting
Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced that no charges would be filed against the officers in the July 16th officer involved shooting at 327 Crestline Avenue. On July 16th at approximately 3:30 p.m. the police received two 911 calls to respond to 327 Crestline Avenue regarding a woman with a knife. The callers described a woman with a knife threatening harm to herself and the occupants of 327 Crestline. District 3 Cincinnati Police [...]
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 [...]
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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.”