A judge faced trial for the abuse of her power after assisting her violent brother in blackmailing his victim. However, upon her sentencing, a chaotic scene unfolded in the courtroom as her enraged family members dragged her away.
Tracie Hunter, while serving as a juvenile court judge in Ohio, misused her position to aid her brother, Stephen Hunter, who was a youth correction officer. Stephen had been accused of assaulting a minor while on duty, leading to his potential termination. Exploiting her authority, Tracie obtained confidential documents regarding the underage victim and used them to prevent her brother’s dismissal. Consequently, the disgraced judge faced multiple charges, including leaking information and having an unlawful interest in a public contract, both felony offenses.
Tracie Hunter received a six-month jail sentence, but she managed to remain free for the following five years by repeatedly appealing the ruling. However, when another judge made the final decision to enforce her sentence, Hunter and her supporters orchestrated a disruptive and futile display of outrage, Mail Online reports.
As Common Pleas Judge Patrick Dinkelacker confirmed Hunter’s previous conviction and upheld the six-month jail term, her family members and supporters erupted in screams, and wails, and rushed toward the front of the courtroom. They even made threatening remarks, suggesting harm to the city. In a recorded incident, Hunter is seen going limp as a deputy attempts to escort her out, resulting in an undignified situation where the female officer had to physically drag her away, according to WCPO.
Prior to delivering his ruling, Judge Dinkelacker disclosed that he had received numerous letters, many of which were anonymous, demanding Hunter’s exoneration. He mentioned that some of the letters contained threats but emphasized that he would not be swayed by intimidation and would remain committed to justice.
As expected, some of Hunter’s supporters distorted her abhorrent actions, framing the court’s decision as a matter of race rather than justice. Bishop Bobby Hilton, president of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the National Action Network (NAN), alleged that Hamilton lacked respect for the Black community and insinuated that white individuals were targeting them, according to Fox San Antonio.
Protests erupted both inside and outside the courtroom. Supporters donned shirts reading “Justice for Judge Tracie M. Hunter” and carried signs proclaiming that “Hamilton will not silence me!” One woman charged towards Hunter as she rose from her seat to be escorted away by the bailiff, but she was swiftly apprehended and taken into custody before reaching the defense table.
Allegations of mistreatment towards Hunter in prison are currently under investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, according to AOL. Despite the claims of her supporters, Hunter maintains her innocence, alleging that the charges against her were politically motivated.
