opinion

Deters: I feel sorry for Tracie Hunter

I must admit that I was shocked at The Enquirer's publication of Vivian Rodgers' May 8 guest column "Justice denied again for Hunter."

Let me set the record straight. I have absolutely nothing to do with the criminal prosecution of Tracie Hunter. Those who think otherwise are either misinformed, misguided, ignorant, or are intentionally attempting to mislead people.

Because Miss Hunter was one of my many clients in the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office, when I received information about her possible criminal activity, I asked the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas to appoint special prosecutors. This is the appropriate procedure for this type of situation and allows for an independent determination of how the matter should be handled.

I have no animus against Miss Hunter. However, she and her followers seek to demonize me and my office for simply doing our jobs.

The truth be told, I feel sorry for her. She squandered a wonderful professional opportunity and turned it into a divisive and ugly situation.

I am proud to live in our great community. Like her followers, I too pray that justice will be done.

Joseph T. Deters, Hamilton County prosecutor