Tuesday, April 11, 2000
Prosecutor due in Hochbein case
By Dan Horn
The Cincinnati Enquirer
A special prosecutor will soon be appointed to review an investigation of Norwood Mayor Joe Hochbein.
The move is the latest development in a case that began last year when the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office began looking into the use of public employees at the Norwood Car Show.
Norwood officials have said public employees were used to prepare for the event in July 1999, but that the city was not reimbursed for their work.
A $150 check from the car show was later sent to Victory 2000, an election campaign committee for the Norwood Republican Party.
Mr. Hochbein, a Republican, has said there is an explanation for the check, but has declined to discuss it. He could not be reached for comment Monday.
The appointment of a special prosecutor suggests the sheriff's investigation may be nearing an end.
The special prosecutor would review the sheriff's investigation and decide whether the findings are strong enough to present to a grand jury.
“It would be in the interest of justice that a special prosecutor be appointed for the purpose of fully prosecuting this matter in the courts of the state of Ohio,” Prosecutor Mike Allen wrote in a request filed Monday in Common Pleas Court.
The request also states that a special prosecutor should be named because it would be inappropriate for Mr. Allen to handle the case.
He could not be reached for comment Monday, but special prosecutors typically are appointed to avoid a potential conflict of interest involving the county prosecutor.
Mr. Allen is a former judge and the former chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party.
Sheriff Simon L. Leis would not comment on the case, but sources said it is related to the sheriff's investigation into the mayor and the auto show.
Call ends 20-year murder mystery
Crime victims can get aid via Web
Seats keep crew busy
Ad plan: Shame is the aim
Chapel restoration lets its glory shine
Radio host tried to lure girl for sex
Sturkey's cheesecake named ultimate dessert
Healing power of good kids
CCM Broadway babies outshine Pops
'Flames rolling over my head'
Gore making pair of campaign stops in Ohio, focusing on education
Sewer project rises in cost
Shooting of teen a mystery
Zoo seeks means of escape
A new role, a new mission
Gun locks will be given away
Lebanon asked to help save old house
Monroe to buy land
Bacon band off for north
Charlotte Church a classic at 14
Consumer gripes against airlines continue to rise
Gate has Norwood residents pleased
Money question stalls plan
Parents keep 4th-graders home from proficiency test
Police: Suspect in woman's death 'scared'
Prosecutor due in Hochbein case
Two schools get new leaders
State AG confirms inquiry
Trail proposal angers residents
GET TO IT
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Tristate digest
