A Hamilton County prosecutor says a county juvenile court judge misused county credit cards and backdated court documents intentionally and systematically, while a defense attorney argues that's not true and says the charges are politically motivated.
Jurors heard opening statements Wednesday in the trial of Judge Tracie Hunter. Hunter pleaded not guilty to felony charges, including tampering with evidence, forgery and theft in office. The special prosecutor spent over two hours describing how Hunter allegedly backdated court documents, misused county credit cards and committed criminal acts. Hunter's attorney challenged that depiction, describing Hunter as a compassionate judge who tried to change the juvenile court system and encountered opposition from political enemies. The Ohio Supreme Court has disqualified Hunter from acting as a judge. Hunter is a Democrat. County prosecutor Joe Deters is a Republican.