Officials: Man shouts he's 'stateless sovereign citizen,' 'Israelite diplomat' at judge

Cameron Knight | Cincinnati Enquirer

Before Judge Robert Ruehlman could begin his hearing about the City of Cincinnati's bump stock ban, other cases disrupted his courtroom.

The Hamilton County Common Pleas judge had 26 cases to address Tuesday morning before the hearing could begin. Two of which proved slightly more complicated.

Oscar Washington, who told the court he prefers to be called "Achasberosh Adnah Ammiyhuwd-Eternal Essense Embodied/I am," was there to address the weapons charges he is facing.

Court officials said he began shouting at the judge quoting maritime law and claiming to be a "stateless sovereign citizen" and "Hebrew Israelite diplomat."

Ruehlman held the man in contempt of court. The 21-year-old is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

Bryant Franklin was in court to address a possible probation violation on a receiving stolen property charge.

Court officials said he was repeatedly told he could not use his phone in the courtroom, and when he did not comply, Ruehlman remanded his case, which will delay it.

The hearing on the bump stock ban was set to begin at noon, but started late. Ruehlman has scheduled the court to break at 2 p.m. After the break, the hearing will continue.

More: Will Cincinnati's bump stock ban be stopped just 2 months after it passed?

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