Legislation would target violence in court

COLUMBUS — Saying there should be a “no-nonsense approach” taken to those who commit violent acts inside court buildings, Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins testified in support of legislation that would make such acts a felony offense.

Watkins testified to the House Criminal Justice Committee, which held the hearing Thursday on legislation sponsored by state Rep. Tom Letson of Warren, D-64th, that would increase penalties for anyone who enters a court building and assaults or seriously threatens someone.

Letson said he proposed the legislation because of two episodes that occurred in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, and because of other violent acts elsewhere in Ohio court buildings.

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