FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2025
Clermont County Prosecutor Clears Trooper involved in April 1st Shooting on I-275
Batavia, OH — On April 1, 2025, at approximately 10:20 p.m., both the Hamilton County and Clermont County Communications Centers received multiple reports of a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Interstate 275 endangering other motorists.
At approximately 11:15 p.m., Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Andrew Fancher, while on patrol on I-275 in Union Township, Clermont County, observed a maroon SUV traveling northbound in the southbound lanes. The SUV, driven by Kelsey Hildal, posed an immediate threat to public safety. After obtaining authorization from his supervisor, Trooper Fancher made the decision to use his cruiser to make controlled physical contact with the SUV. He successfully pinned the SUV against a concrete barrier, safely bringing it to a stop.
Upon stopping the vehicle and before exiting his cruiser, Trooper Fancher observed the driver brandishing a handgun. Trooper Fancher issued multiple commands to Ms. Fancher to drop the weapon and show her hands. After initially complying with the trooper’s commands, Ms. Hildal picked up the firearm again. At that moment, Trooper Fancher discharged his service weapon, fatally wounding Ms. Hildal.
Law enforcement officers removed Ms. Hidal from her vehicle to administer life-saving measures. While removing Ms. Hidal, a Glock 43X 9mm semiautomatic pistol fell from her vehicle onto the roadway. The firearm was loaded, with one round in the chamber and seven in the magazine. A subsequent investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) confirmed the Glock was a functioning firearm. In addition, two Mossberg 500 shotguns—a 12 gauge and a 20 gauge—were located in the vehicle, all of which were legally owned by Ms. Hildal.
On April 28, 2025, BCI concluded its investigation and submitted its findings to the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office. After a thorough review of the report, including relevant body-worn and cruiser camera footage, the Prosecutor’s Office has determined that Trooper Fancher’s actions were reasonable, appropriate, and necessary to protect both his own life and the lives of others. Accordingly, this matter is now closed and will not be presented to a Grand Jury. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was notified of this decision in writing on May 8, 2025.
“I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the dedicated law enforcement officers who risk their lives each day to ensure the safety of our communities. It should be clear to all that police officers have the right to protect their own lives as well as those of the public.” said Mark J. Tekulve, Clermont County Prosecutor.
For immediate release: March 20, 2025
CONVICTED OF 13 SEPARATE COUNTS INCLUDING RAPE AND SEXUAL BATTERY
Clermont County Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve announces that yesterday, March 19, 2025 at the conclusion of a 3-day trial, a Clermont County jury convicted Hector Burchell of 13 counts, which included Rape, Sexual Battery and Gross Sexual Imposition.
During the time period of January 1, 2018 through November 5, 2023, Hector Burchell engaged in a sustained pattern of sexual abuse against his victim who he had raised since she was 18 months old. When the victim was just 10 years old Burchell began sexually abusing his victim by grinding his penis against the her buttocks. The abuse escalated when Burchell began forcing the victim to preform fellatio on him inside the family home. Mr. Burchell continuously forced the victim to preform fellatio on him every few weeks from March 22, 2019 to the time his abuse was discovered in November of 2023.
The Pierce Township Police Department began investigating Mr. Burchell after the victim’s mother found a journal entry written by the victim. This journal entry disclosed the abuse the victim endured at the hands of Mr. Burchell. During the investigation it was discovered that Mr. Burchell engaged in various grooming techniques such as purchasing gifts, making threats and making promises in order to both facilitate and hide his continued pattern of abuse.
Hector Burchell faces a mandatory prison sentence of 25 years to life with a potential maximum sentence of 128 years to life in prison and will be a registered sex offender. He will be sentenced April 29, 2025.
“Hector Burchell used his relationship with the victim to facilitate these heinous crimes and deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison.” – Mark J. Tekulve, Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney.
For Immediate Release
March 6, 2025
The Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office & the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office are warning local citizens of a new scam. Scammers are sending out text messages to Clermont County residents indicating that they have failed to appear for jury duty and there is now a warrant issued for their arrest.
If you receive such a message, do not click on the message or call any listed phone number. Instead, please call your local law enforcement agency immediately and file a report.
Please note, if you are legitimately summonsed to serve on a Clermont County Jury, you will receive a summons in the U.S. Mail which includes a questionnaire. The summons and accompanying instructions require the questionnaire to be filled out and returned to the jury office. The summons will also provide specific dates you are required to serve, as well as a phone number to call to confirm your dates of service. If you have not received a summons and questionnaire from the Clermont County Courts, then you have not been summonsed for jury duty. Clermont County Officials will never contact any prospective juror via text message for any purpose. Please call 513.732.7394 to reach the Clermont County Common Pleas Court.
For Immediate Release: February 7, 2025
Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney Mark J. Tekulve announces that the management of Magnolia Pointe Apartments in Union Township has agreed to provide temporary housing at a local hotel for residents of 36 units affected by a faulty hot water heater.
My office became aware of the issue this morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. By early afternoon we were in communication with the management and advised them that failure to provide hot water is a nuisance condition and that absent immediate action to provide adequate housing, I would seek injunctive relief and the appointment of a receiver to take over operation of the complex this afternoon.
Shortly before 3:00 p.m. management informed me that rooms were rented at a suitable hotel for all tenants affected.
The boiler is expected to be repaired by Monday. If not, we will work with management to extend the hotel reservations for the tenants.
I am certain that the entire community shares our interest in protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all Clermont County residents.
Mark. J. Tekulve
Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney