The Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to vigorous prosecution of cases and promoting the safety of all citizens in Clermont County. Through my leadership and confidence, the staff at the prosecutor’s office will provide timely, professional and ethical services to all citizens, clients, crime victims, court personnel, and others we work with on a daily basis.
In the Criminal Division, our prosecutors will ensure fair, impartial, and equal administration of justice, advocating for severe punishment of dangerous and violent offenders, while preserving the rights and dignity of crime victims and their families.
In the Civil Division, our prosecutors will provide sound and expert legal advice to all clients, including county officials, offices, and townships, to ensure the best decisions are being made, especially in the area of future economic growth and development within Clermont County. We promote good, efficient government through effective representation of our clients. We seek truth and justice, while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
The Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office, including assistant prosecutor’s, victim advocates, and administrative staff, maintains a positive and professional relationship with all members of law enforcement. Our office will continue to assist law enforcement with active investigations, training opportunities, and community outreach. This includes participating in monthly meetings with investigators, National Night Out, and National Crime Victim Rights Week.
““As your elected prosecuted, I am honored to serve the citizens of Clermont County. Our office will focus on providing balanced and sound judgment in prosecuting all cases, fairly administering justice, promoting the safety of the citizens, and working collaboratively with law enforcement. “
As the newly elected prosecutor for Clermont County, I want to first thank the voters of Clermont County for the opportunity to serve as the Prosecutor. It is the highest honor of my career.
The job of the prosecutor isn’t simply about putting away the bad guys, prosecutors have a duty to do justice. Additionally, the Civil Division of my office provides many varied legal services for all Clermont County elected officials and their departments. We also provide legal services for other County offices such as the Board of Elections, Public Health, the Public Library Board, the Veterans Service Commission, the County Park District, and all Non-Home Rule Township Trustees and their departments.
Fortunately, I have a talented team of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff who come to work every day focused on serving the people of Clermont County. I could not be prouder to work with these great professionals.
Additionally, I’ve brought in a few new members to the office. David Gast is the chief of our misdemeanor criminal division; Lara Baron-Allen is our new felony chief; Brian Shrive and Joe Mooney join the civil division; and Stephanie Ross is my chief administrator.
Now for some sobering numbers. In just the first few months of 2021, we have filed 1,253 new misdemeanor criminal cases and 296 felony cases. Aggravated possession of drugs is the primary charge on approximately one-third of the felony cases. The opioid epidemic has not ended here in Clermont County and more must be done.
Our office has reinstituted the misdemeanor diversion program. This program allows first-time low level offenders to participate in education and community service programs in lieu of a conviction. This will allow the offender to understand the consequences of his or her actions without a permanent criminal record that may later interfere with job opportunities. Our goal is to improve the community. Sometimes that means jail time, but other times that means an approach that allows people to learn and grow and move on toward being a productive member of the community. In every case, our prosecutors have the resources and ability to determine the appropriate course of action.
My office also provides victim advocates to help comfort victims of crime and explain their rights. Our victim advocate program is going strong. Stephanie Ross continues to shine, finding grants and other resources to allow us to provide services to victims of crime at their critical time of need. We are proud to partner with the YWCA in those efforts.
In the coming months you will see me and my team out engaging in educational and outreach efforts. If your school, church, or other organization would like to hear from me or my team, please contact the prosecutor’s office at 732-7313 or via email at prosoffice@clermontcountyohio.gov.
On behalf of myself and the entire prosecutor’s office, thank you for the opportunity to serve.