The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Hamilton County sheriff's office tightened security following Tuesday's courthouse brawl, staffing a municipal courtroom Wednesdaywith eight more officers than usual.
The deputies were added to the usual staff of three to keep order during arraignments for four suspects charged in a ruckus that broke out the day before, said Col. Dan Wolfangel, sheriff's spokesman. The brawl erupted across the street in Common Pleas Court after Judge Thomas Crush sentenced four teens to four to six years each for beating a Western Hills High School student nearly to death. Pandemonium broke out after Larry Wright, a relative of one of the teens sentenced, allegedly threatened to kill the victim, 17-year-old Brendan Rice. The fight spilled into the hallway, where officers tackled and handcuffed four people.
Mr. Wright, 19, of Over-the-Rhine, is being held in jail with his bond set at $60,000. He faces charges of intimidation, inducing panic and inciting violence.
Steve Holley, 25, of Westwood, is charged with assaulting Cincinnati Police Officer Jason Holey, as well as resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. His bond is set at $25,000.
Natasha Holley, 18, of English Woods, allegedly struck Sgt. Stephen Watt on the right side of the head and hit Deputy James Young on the left side of the face. Her bond is set at $45,000 on charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and two counts of assault on a police officer.
Labrenda Walker, 23, of Over-the-Rhine, who is pregnant, faces a $5,000 bond on misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Each of their cases is scheduled to go before a grand jury April 17, which will decide whether they will be indicted.
