Trial begins for indicted judge in SW Ohio

CINCINNATI (AP) — A prosecutor says an Ohio juvenile court judge accused of misusing county credit cards and backdating court documents intentionally and systematically violated the law, while a defense attorney argues that’s not true and says the charges are politically motivated.

Jurors heard opening statements today in Judge Tracie Hunter’s trial in county court in Cincinnati. Judge 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 Judge Hunter allegedly backdated court documents, misused county credit cards and committed criminal acts.

Her attorney challenged that depiction, describing Judge 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 her from acting as a judge.