Robin Piper, the Prosecutor of Butler County, brings into office a wealth of legal experience and knowledge.Mr. Piper graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1981.

In addition to maintaining a private practice in Hamilton for many years, Mr. Piper was also an Assistant Prosecutor for John Holcomb from 1983 until 1998. Mr. Piper's record as a Assistant Prosecutor is remarkable, and his efforts as a Special Prosecutor during the famous Lucasville Prison Riots earned him praises and recognition from then-Governor George Voinovich, Senator Mike Dewine, and the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association. read more

November 29, 2007

26-year old Middletown woman was found guilty of Obstructing Official Business by a Butler County Jury

Press Release For Immediate Release November 28, 2007

(Hamilton, Ohio) Butler County Prosecutor, Robin Piper announced today the successful prosecution of Rachael Burnett, a 26-year old Middletown woman, who was found guilty of Obstructing Official Business by a Butler County Jury, after deliberating for just over two hours.

The charge stemmed from an incident which occurred on January 21, 2007 at the Coconutz nightclub in Middletown. Officer Chris Winters was attempting to breakup a disturbance in the bar parking lot at closing time when Rachael Burnett jumped on his back in an attempt to prevent him from arresting her friend. Officers were initially unable to identify Burnett, however, after a thorough investigation by Middletown Police Detective Tim Riggs, which included finding an eyewitness to the crime, Burnett was charged.

Jurors heard testimony in the case over two days. Burnett testified that she did not jump on the officer's back, but only spoke to him as he struggled with her friend. The eyewitness, however, testified that Winters was attacked from behind by Burnett with Burnett jumping on Winters back and placing him in a "choke hold".

Prosecutor Piper stated, “Interfering with a police officer in the course of his duties is serious business and can land you in jail. We are grateful for the jury’s verdict and the thorough investigation done by Detective Riggs and the Middletown Police Department.”

Burnett faces up to a year in prison when she is sentenced on January 8, 2008 at 8:30 in front of Judge Matthew Crehan.

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Contact: For more information contact Robin Piper
(513) 887-3494

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