Kimball Perry

kperry@enquirer.com

Tracie Hunter's request to remain out of jail while she appeals her six-month sentence was denied today by an appeals court.

That means, unless a higher court disagrees, Hunter will begin serving her jail sentence Dec. 29.

Hunter, 48, was convicted in October of interfering with the firing of her brother, juvenile court worker Stephen Hunter, after he punched a teen inmate in the face. Eight other felony charges against her were declared a mistrial after jurors couldn't reach a unanimous verdict. Prosecutors could retry her on those charges.

Her attorney on the appeal, David Singleton, filed a Monday morning motion criticizing the prosecutor's earlier request to have Hunter serve her sentence, calling it inflammatory. Prosecutors chided Hunter for bragging as a Hamilton County Juvenile Court judge how she'd do anything to help the children before her, including go to jail, but now is fighting serving her six-month sentence.

Singleton didn't immediately respond to an email for comment.

Common Pleas Court Judge Norbert Nadel ordered the sentence earlier this month but Hunter immediately appealed. Nadel could have sentenced her to up to 11/2 years in prison but chose instead to give her time in the county jail.

Monday's appeals court entry was signed by Judge Penelope Cunningham.

Nadel ordered Hunter to report to the Hamilton County Sheriff's office at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 29 to begin serving her sentence.