Ohio judge indicted on 8 felony charges

CINCINNATI (AP) — An embattled Ohio juvenile court judge has been indicted on eight felony charges, including tampering with evidence, theft in office and forgery.

The charges were handed down today in an indictment against Hamilton County Judge Tracie Hunter.

Judge Hunter didn’t immediately return a message seeking. Her first court date has been set for next Friday.

The charges stem in part from allegations by a county prosecutor that Judge Hunter backdated at least two court records in “a conscious act of deception” to prevent some of her rulings from being appealed and possibly overturned.

Judge Hunter also is accused of using her county-issued credit card to pay court fees stemming from lawsuits against her, and ordering that her brother — who used to provide security for the court — be paid overtime.