Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters has asked Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to commute Judge Tracie Hunter's six-month sentence, a surprise move in a day already filled with drama.

A spokeswoman for DeWine confirmed to The Enquirer the two Republicans spoke and that DeWine would take a look at it. But Hunter, she said, must apply for a commutation.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Patrick Dinkelacker imposed Hunter's six-month jail sentence, as recommended by a prior judge after she was convicted on a felony charge of interference in a public contract.

Only the governor can free Hunter.

The process is officially called application for clemency. Hunter must list her charge, her employee history over the last five years and why she is seeking a commutation. Among the reasons: "employment opportunities," "medical" and "disparate sentence."

If clemency is granted the conviction would remain on her record and the year probation would still apply. The only change is that Hunter would not actually serve jail time.

"My point to the governor today was to look the options," Deters told The Enquirer. "I know Judge Dinkelacker did his job and I respect that. But in the global perspective, somebody like Tracie Hunter, I don’t think belongs in jail. I wanted her to be mentally evaluated. But she refused. That’s been her style the whole time."

Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, a Democrat, also called DeWine on Hunter's behalf, a conversation he summed up in a follow-up letter to the governor with this hand-written note: "Your willingness to get on the phone to listen and help is very much appreciated and is making a difference."

By law, Sheriff Jim Neil must hold Hunter for sentence, though she could be released early for good behavior. Neil said Hunter will be held in the jail's medical facility, where she will be constantly monitored by security and medical staff.

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Deters himself did not prosecute Hunter. In 2013, to avoid a conflict of interest, since his office represents county employees, Deters employed special prosecutors to look at the case.

Hunter was convicted and the charge upheld in every Ohio court and reviewed by two district courts. Her legal team is continuing to appeal.

Deters, in a letter sent to Dinkelacker Monday morning, wrote:

"She has not once shown remorse. She has been incredibly disrespectful to you and the justice system. She has, in the face of the fact that my office removed itself in any way from her prosecution, blamed us for her plight. That being said, I believe she has some type of mental condition that has created this scenario.... I ask as a friend of the court to consider an evaluation of her prior to imposing Judge Nadel's sentence."

Dinkelacker declined and did impose the recommended six-month sentence.