Cecil Thomas: As Long As Tracie Hunter Sits In Jail, 'We're Going To Ratchet Up Pressure'

Ohio Senator Cecil Thomas is bringing the call for an economic slowdown to the faith community.

The movement started after former Judge Tracie Hunter was taken to jail last month. Speaking at the Faith Community Alliance, he outlined Hunter's court case and says the fight for justice continues.

"As long as she sits in there we're going to continue to ratchet up the pressure. It's just that simple," Thomas said. "Yes, we will be calling for a national economic slowdown for those who are considering coming to Cincinnati for conventions and all of that stuff. We're going to be asking to spend our money with African American businesses as much as possible."

Hunter is in the Hamilton County Justice Center serving a six-month sentence. That's despite calls for her release – and that of other non-violent offenders – based on jail overcrowding issues.

Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley has written to Gov. Mike DeWine asking to commute her sentence, but a spokesperson from the governor's office said Hunter has not yet applied for a commutation. 

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