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Article Summary
A senior assistant attorney with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office was assaulted in downtown Cincinnati after police say a man approached her seeking money before punching her in the face. Officers quickly arrested the suspect, who faces assault and drug paraphernalia charges. Authorities say the incident occurred near the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, and the investigation remains ongoing.
A senior attorney with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office was assaulted in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday afternoon.
Investigators describe the incident as an unprovoked attack following a request for money.
Cincinnati police arrested a 50-year-old man shortly after the incident. Prosecutors have charged him with assault and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The victim, identified through court records as a senior assistant attorney with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, suffered facial injuries but did not sustain life-threatening wounds. Authorities have not publicly released her name.
According to police sources cited by WLWT, the attack occurred shortly after the attorney exited the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office near the intersection of Ninth and Sycamore streets. Officers say the suspect approached the woman and asked for money. Then, the encounter escalated, and he allegedly struck her in the face. A Cincinnati police officer assigned to bicycle patrol located and arrested the suspect within minutes of the assault. Additionally, WLWT reported that investigators recovered a glass pipe from the suspect during the arrest, leading to an additional drug paraphernalia charge.
Ohio AG assistant attack happened outside prosecutor’s office
The assault took place in one of downtown Cincinnati’s busiest government corridors. This is where the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office and other public offices receive daily visitors.
Police identified the suspect as Jermaine Johnson, 50, who was booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center following his arrest. Court documents indicate he faces an assault charge in addition to a charge for possession of drug paraphernalia. After an officer on bicycle patrol responded quickly to the scene, records reviewed by WLWT show Johnson was taken into custody without further incident.
Officials have not released additional information about the victim’s medical condition beyond confirming that she sustained injuries to her face.
The incident remains under investigation by the Cincinnati Police Department.
Suspect reportedly remains on parole
Court and corrections records reviewed by local media indicate Johnson is currently on parole following a previous prison sentence.
According to WLWT, records from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction show Johnson served approximately 18 years in prison after a 2005 aggravated robbery conviction. He was released in 2023. Those records also indicate he remains under parole supervision.
Authorities have not said whether Johnson’s parole status will result in additional consequences beyond the pending criminal charges.
The charges currently filed include:
- Assault
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Additional charges could be considered as the investigation continues, although prosecutors have not announced any further counts.
Ohio AG assistant case highlights downtown public safety concerns
The Ohio AG assistant assault has renewed attention on safety around Cincinnati’s government buildings. Attorneys, court employees, jurors, and members of the public travel daily in the area.
While investigators have described the incident as isolated, the attack occurred in a heavily traveled section of downtown. This area includes county offices and nearby court facilities. Police responded quickly, with a bicycle patrol officer making the arrest shortly after the alleged assault.
Neither the Cincinnati Police Department nor the Ohio Attorney General’s Office has indicated that the victim was targeted because of her employment. Based on information released so far, investigators believe the confrontation began after the suspect allegedly requested money. He then became violent.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has not publicly commented in detail about the incident or identified the attorney involved.
Investigation remains active
Police continue reviewing evidence and witness statements while the criminal case moves through Hamilton County Municipal Court.
The suspect is expected to make an initial court appearance, where a judge will consider bond and the next steps in the prosecution. Additional information could emerge through court filings and future hearings.
The incident was first reported by WLWT, with additional confirmation available through publicly accessible police incident records. As of publication, investigators have not indicated that anyone else was involved in the attack.
For downtown workers and visitors, the case serves as another reminder to remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious or threatening behavior to law enforcement. Police encourage anyone who witnessed the assault or has relevant information to contact investigators.
FAQs
Who was the victim in the downtown Cincinnati assault?
The victim is a senior assistant attorney with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Authorities have not publicly released her name, and she suffered facial injuries that were not reported as life-threatening.
Who was arrested in connection with the assault?
Cincinnati police arrested 50-year-old Jermaine Johnson shortly after the incident. He has been charged with assault and possession of drug paraphernalia, and his case will proceed through Hamilton County Municipal Court.
Where did the assault happen?
The assault occurred near the intersection of Ninth and Sycamore streets in downtown Cincinnati. Police said the victim had just left the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office when the suspect allegedly approached and attacked her.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Cincinnati Police Department continues to investigate the incident while the criminal case moves through the court system. Prosecutors may file additional charges if new evidence emerges during the investigation.
