Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Connie Pillich:

“I want to provide context regarding a case involving a threat against a Hamilton County Common Pleas Court judge that resulted in a misdemeanor charge.

My office takes any threat of harm seriously, including those made against judges. Judges must be able to perform their duties free from intimidation. Threats against them undermine the integrity of the justice system.

Under Ohio law, grand jury proceedings are secret. This protects citizens who serve and ensures decisions are made based on the evidence without outside influence.

Since taking office in January of 2025, five judges in Hamilton County have been the subject of threats. In each instance, the case was presented to a grand jury of nine randomly selected citizens from our community.

These grand juries reviewed the evidence and made independent charging decisions. Each case is fact-specific. In the most recent matter, a felony charge was presented to the grand jury. The grand jury, based on the evidence, instead returned a misdemeanor indictment.

It is not my role to second-guess that decision.

This case is now proceeding in municipal court, and I am confident it is being handled with the seriousness it deserves.”