press releases

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announces Indictment of Defendant Darnell Anthony Dyson on multiple charges related to the dumping of nails on public roadways

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announces Indictment of Defendant Brenda Cowden on multiple charges for Defrauding An Elderly Victim

Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced that charges have been filed along with a motion for relinquishment of jurisdiction (bindover) of Juvenile A.B. A.B. was charged with Conspiracy to commit Aggravated Murder. The Prosecutor’s Office is asking that A.B.’s case be bound over to the Court of Common Pleas for trial as an adult. If adjudicated as a delinquent child in juvenile court, A.B. faces a maximum possible sentence of commitment to the Ohio Department of Youth Services until age 21. If convicted as an adult, A.B. faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 35 years. Beginning in early January, A.B., along with the aid of an out-of-state co-conspirator, planned to conduct a mass casualty event at Mariemont High School. A.B., a student at Mariemont High School, had created a plan for the crime, a list of students and teachers to be killed, and a plan to access a firearm located in the home. Mariemont Police officers were able to intervene after receiving a tip from a fellow student who became aware of the plan. Mariemont City Schools Superintendent Steve Estepp commented: “Like most communities, we certainly hoped that something like this would not happen this close to home. It’s a stark reminder that threats of violence remain a serious concern for schools and educators. I am incredibly thankful that we can say that this was a plot thwarted and a tragedy avoided because of the proactive measures by a student and parent to report their concern to our local police department followed by the swift and thorough response of the police, FBI and prosecutor.” Mariemont Police Chief Richard Hines commented: “I would like to thank Prosecutor Melissa Powers and her staff for their assistance in this investigation. I also want to thank the F.B.I. and the Mariemont City Schools administrative staff for their assistance in this matter. I would also be remiss to not thank the student who provided the tip that let us get out in front of a very serious situation. In an abundance of caution, we are increasing out patrol units for the rest of this week. However, we are confident that the threat to the community and the school district has been contained.” Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers commented: “I am thankful for the great work of the Mariemont Police Department to prevent what could have been a horrific tragedy. Countless lives were saved by their actions. Children should not fear coming to school. Teachers should not fear that their students will cause harm to them or their classmates. Violence in our schools will not be tolerated, and my office will do what is necessary to ensure those who commit it are held responsible.”

Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers released the statement below following an afternoon meeting with Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge and other stakeholders regarding the recent increase in youth violence in Cincinnati: “As Prosecutor, it is my job to keep our community safe. Our city cannot thrive when citizens feel unsafe visiting or working in our downtown. We are pleased to work collaboratively with anyone that shares our goal of public safety. However, we need to recognize that this process must begin with getting violent offenders off our streets. Our courts and judges must recognize that releasing these offenders back out into our community, where they can continue to commit crimes and victimize innocent people, is making us all less safe.”

Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced the indictment of Phillip Alwell (DOB 10/05/04) for the October 15 “street takeover” incident on Route 50 at State Street. Alwell was indicted for one count of Inducing Panic (F4). If convicted, he faces a maximum possible sentence of 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The Prosecutor’s Office is also seeking forfeiture of Alwell’s vehicle. On October 15, 2023, Alwell and numerous others shut down Route 50 at State Street to participate in a “street takeover” where multiple vehicles drive recklessly – doing donuts and slides – and post the incidents on social media. The road was shut down for nearly 15 minutes and the incident caused $14,000 in damage. Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers commented, “I am thankful for our strong partnership with the Cincinnati Police Department and all of their hard work making an arrest. These street takeovers are not only stupid, they are reckless. Someone is going to end up dead. Other cities may tolerate this madness, but it will not be tolerated in Hamilton County. We will charge you with a felony and seize your vehicle. If someone is injured, you will be held responsible.”

Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced the indictment of Kelli Prather (DOB 4/14/72) for election fraud. Prather was indicted for four counts of Prohibited Acts – Declarations or Petitions (F5), two counts of Tampering with Records (F3), one count of Election Falsification (F5), and one count of False Signatures (F5). If convicted of all charges, Prather faces a maximum possible sentence of three years in prison. In 2021, Prather was a candidate for United States Senate. Prather submitted petitions to the Hamilton County Board of Elections to appear on the ballot for that election. Of the 5,619 signatures provided, 4,579 were found to be invalid. Of the 192 petition sheets filed with the Board of Elections, 74 contained zero valid signatures. When the Hamilton County Board of Elections spot-checked parts of the petitions, they found 6 signatures with addresses associated with an abandoned building. Some petitions filed with the Board contained all 30 signatures with obviously the same handwriting. Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers commented, “It is shocking that a self- proclaimed community leader would engage in such blatant fraud relating to our elections. Elections in the United States are sacred. We can have no tolerance for individuals looking to scam their way into office. I am thankful for the bipartisan review of the allegations by the Board of Elections – and their unwavering commitment to free and fair elections in Hamilton County.”

Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced the indictment of Ja’Nasia Green (DOB 10/6/00) for the death of her 4-month-old baby. Green was indicted on two counts of Murder (SF), one count of Felonious Assault (F2), and one count of Endangering Children (F2). If convicted of all charges, Green faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison with parole eligibility after 15 years. Green called 911 on October 25, 2023 at 11:58am to report her son was unconscious and not breathing. Paramedics attempted life saving measures. However, it was determined the child was already deceased. When paramedics arrived, the child was cool to the touch and in full rigor mortis. The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office ruled the child’s death a homicide. The child was found to have suffered from the following injuries: Blunt trauma Contusions to the left and right eyelids Scars on his neck Contusions and abrasions to the abdominal wall Hemorrhages to both eyes Bleeding beneath the scalp Fractured ribs – both healing and acute Petechiae of the thymus Laceration of the liver Internal bleeding in the abdomen  It is believed the child died approximately 9 hours prior to Green calling 911

Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced the indictment of Lavontez Davis (DOB 9/24/99) for the murder of Jason McKinnon. Davis was indicted for two counts of Murder (SF), one count of Felonious Assault (F2) and one count of Strangulation (F2). If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison with parole eligibility after 15 years. On October 4, 2023, the victim, Jason McKinnon and his wife were walking near Vine and 14th Streets in OTR after attending an FC Cincinnati match. As the couple walked down the sidewalk, they passed a vehicle that appeared to be turning the wrong way down a one-way street. A verbal altercation ensued between the victim and the female driver of the vehicle. While arguing with the driver, Davis, who was with the female driver, ran up to the victim and punched him in the face and placed the victim in a chokehold. The female driver had not left her vehicle prior to Davis attacking the victim. Davis held the chokehold until the victim lost consciousness. Numerous witnesses pleaded with Davis to stop throughout the entire incident. Davis and the female driver fled the scene prior to police arriving. The victim succumbed to his injuries on October 8, 2023. The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office determined the victim’s cause of death to be homicide by means of neck compression. Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers commented, “The brutal killing of an innocent man sends shockwaves throughout our community shattering our sense of security in OTR. People will not come to enjoy everything this city has to offer if they can’t get home without being attacked. There are people walking among us who will hurt you. There is no rehabilitating someone who will strangle the life out of a complete stranger over a stupid argument. He needs to spend the rest of his life in prison.”

Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced the indictment of Robert Stewart for the 2003 murder of Herman Brown. Stewart (DOB 3/28/59) was indicted for two counts of Murder (SF) and one count of Felonious Assault (F2). If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. On February 15, 2003, Cincinnati Police were dispatched to 2572 Sarvis Court to conduct a wellness check. The 911 caller reported a strong odor coming from the apartment. Upon entering the apartment, Cincinnati officers discovered the victim lying naked on the floor, deceased. The victim had an extension cord wrapped around his neck and had suffered numerous stab wounds. Blood was found in the victim’s bathroom sink. Among other evidence, investigators collected 6 cigarette butts, a DNA swab of the victim’s genitals, and a blood lift from the bathroom sink. Two DNA profiles were found in the blood from the bathroom sink – the victim’s and an unknown individual. That unknown DNA profile also matched the DNA found on the victim’s genitals and some of the cigarette butts collected from the scene. However, investigators were not able to match the unknown DNA profile to a suspect. After exhausting all leads, the investigation into the homicide of Herman Brown went cold. Recently, the unknown DNA profile from the cigarette butts was re-extracted and entered into a forensic genetic genealogy search. That search returned a possible suspect of Robert Stewart. Further DNA analysis confirmed Robert Stewart was the source of DNA located at the crime scene. On September 15, 2023, Stewart was arrested in Lima, Ohio and extradited back to Hamilton County. He is currently in custody in the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $500,000 bond. Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers commented, “The Cincinnati Police Homicide Unit should be commended. These dedicated detectives never give up on their cases. They never give up on their victims. They will continue to investigate until the case is solved – no matter how long it takes. The genealogy databases have proved to be a powerful tool for law enforcement to solve cases that have been cold for years. I am thankful we are finally able to bring closure to Herman Brown’s family and friends.”