Deliberations underway in Ohio judge case

CINCINNATI (AP) — A southwest Ohio jury has begun deciding whether a juvenile court judge should be convicted of felony charges.

The Hamilton County Common Pleas Court jurors deliberated a little more than two hours today after closing arguments wrapped up in Tracie Hunter’s trial. Judge Norbert Nadel told them to resume Thursday.

Jurors have a lot of testimony and arguments to consider. The trial began Sept. 8.

Hunter’s attorney Clyde Bennett II insisted Hunter tried to bring change to help children and was the victim of politics after a lengthy legal battle over disputed election results.

Prosecutors told jurors there was no evidence that politics were involved, and described Hunter as contentious and making her own rules.

The 47-year-old judge faces nine counts alleging tampering with evidence, forgery and theft in office.