(XENIA, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen K. Haller today announced that Mark E. Piepmeier, Chief Trial Counsel Attorney in the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, will lead the prosecution team presenting evidence to the special Greene County Grand Jury that will be impaneled to investigate the Beavercreek Walmart officer-involved shooting death of John Crawford, III.
"We wanted to find a prosecutor who has a long history of prosecuting felony cases and one who has extensive experience handling officer-involved shootings," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.
"I believe that Mark Piepmeier is the best person for this case," said Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen K. Haller.
Piepmeier has worked for the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office since 1981, and has more than 30 years of criminal trial experience.
During his career, he has investigated and prosecuted officer-involved shooting cases. He has also prosecuted cases where law enforcement officers were charged with other crimes including murder, aggravated burglary and rape.
Piepmeier also served as the lead special prosecutor in the Lucasville prison riot case following the 1993 Easter riot. A member of the U.S. Army and the JAG Corp, he served during Desert Storm. He is a graduate of Miami University and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law.
Piepmeier will begin the special grand jury proceedings on September 22, 2014. He will be assisted by Stacey DeGraffenried of the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
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Documents
Attorney General DeWine's remarks as prepared (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Lisa Hackley: 614-466-3840