Cincinnati City Manager Accused of Quietly Negotiating Major Settlement With Family of Accused Cop-Killer

The president of Cincinnati’s Fraternal Order of Police is accusing City Manager Sheryl Long of quietly negotiating a potentially multi-million-dollar settlement with the family of Ryan Hinton.

This controversy involves the Hinton Settlement, which has sparked numerous accusations.

Hinton’s father, Rodney Hinton Jr., is now charged with the murder of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson.

The Hinton Settlement has been a topic of debate. According to statements released Thursday and first reported by FOX19, FOP President Ken Kober claims the negotiations are being conducted without transparency. Additionally, they lack full disclosure to Cincinnati City Council regarding the scope or potential cost to taxpayers.

“This is an absolute outrage — crime literally pays in Cincinnati under this City Manager,” Kober said in a statement. “Sheryl Long is sneaking around behind closed doors, trying to shove taxpayers’ hard-earned money at the family of a cop-killer.” The whole Hinton Settlement issue is causing public frustration.

Background of the Case

The proposed settlement stems from a May 1, 2025, officer-involved shooting involving Ryan Hinton. According to law enforcement and court records previously reviewed by the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, Hinton fled from a stolen vehicle while armed with a handgun. He then pointed the weapon at a Cincinnati police officer, who fired in self-defense, leading to the disputed Hinton Settlement.

The prosecutor later determined the officer’s use of force was legally justified.

Just days after that incident, Ryan Hinton’s father, Rodney Hinton Jr., is accused of deliberately striking and killing Deputy Larry Henderson with his vehicle. This case sent shockwaves through the region and drew national attention to officer safety and violent crime in Cincinnati.

Concerns Over Transparency and Cost

Kober alleges the city’s settlement discussions are being fast-tracked quietly and could cost taxpayers millions of dollars. He further claims City Council members have not been fully informed of the negotiations or the financial exposure involved. This lack of transparency is a central concern of the Hinton Settlement debate.

The city has not publicly confirmed the amount under discussion, nor has City Manager Long issued a detailed response addressing the allegations of secrecy as of Thursday afternoon.

The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of Cincinnati’s fiscal decisions. Just last month, the city approved an $8.1 million settlement related to arrests made during the 2020 protests. Earlier this week, Mayor Aftab Pureval proposed a tax increase. This aims at addressing budget shortfalls, ignoring previous settlements like that of Hinton family.

“These massive taxpayer payouts are draining the coffers, and then city leaders turn around and ask working families to pay more,” Kober said. “If the city stopped recklessly throwing millions at criminals, rioters, and cop-killers, we wouldn’t be facing yet another tax hike.”

Broader Implications of Settlement Talks

The accusations have reignited debate over how Cincinnati handles civil settlements, police-related cases, and transparency in city governance. This is particularly relevant at a time when public trust and safety remain central issues for residents, including those involved in the Hinton Settlement.

While settlement negotiations themselves are often confidential, critics argue that elected officials and the public deserve greater visibility. They believe this is especially true when taxpayer dollars may be committed at scale in cases involving violent crime and law enforcement fatalities.

As of publication, neither the City Manager’s office nor City Council leadership has announced whether the proposed settlement will be brought forward for a public vote or discussion.

What Happens Next

• City officials may be asked to publicly disclose whether negotiations are underway and at what cost, particularly due to the focus on the Hinton Settlement.

• City Council could seek briefings or documentation related to the settlement talks, especially considering the contentious nature of the Hinton Settlement.

• The case is likely to intensify calls for reform around settlement authority and transparency in Cincinnati government, influenced by cases like the Hinton Settlement.

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