Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the referral of a State of Ohio Auditor report 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:
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.”
MELISSA ★ POWERS
Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney
The Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is dedicated to effectively representing the citizens of Hamilton County, its governmental agencies and elected officials as authorized by the laws of the state of Ohio
The Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is dedicated to effectively representing the citizens of Hamilton County, its governmental agencies and elected officials as authorized by the laws of the State of Ohio.