Ambush or oversight? Prosecutor predicts 'unwelcome guest' at mother’s meeting
Sitterly talks 'off the record'
NORWALK — Sources told StayTunedSandusky.com late this afternoon that Huron County Prosecutor James Sitterly informed a reporter that an “unwelcome guest” may attempt to gatecrash a private meeting Tuesday between the Sheriff and a grieving mother whose daughter was killed nearly eight years ago.
“I think she’s going to be there,” Sitterly allegedly told the reporter, referring to Ashli Ford. StayTunedSandusky learned of the conversation through a third party. When contacted, the reporter did not deny the statements he was alleged to have made regarding Sitterly’s prediction.
Sitterly did not immediately respond to an email seeking confirmation of these statements. According to a source, Sitterly suggested that the mother, Tricia Shepard, be “warned” that Ford might show up, rather than indicating that law enforcement would take steps to prevent the confrontation.
If this conversation occurred, it could pose a significant legal problem for Sitterly. Under Marsy’s Law (Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 10a), prosecutors and police have a mandatory duty to ensure that victims are “reasonably protected from the accused” and treated with “dignity, privacy, and respect.”
Shepard filed a formal harassment complaint against Ford on March 10. Despite this, Sitterly reportedly expressed having “a feeling” Ford would show up on Tuesday, but he notably stopped short of stating he intended to prevent her from entering the government facility or harassing the victim.
“It’s like Tricia’s being thrown to the wolves,” one observer said. “It’s like they not only don’t want to help her find her daughter’s killer, they don’t want to protect her either.”
Ford, a convicted felon who portrays herself as an advocate, an investigator and a reporter, claims she represents a family member of Tricia’s. Tricia said Ford has tried to drive a wedge between members of her family, and continuous to spread misinformation about her daughter’s murder.
Ford was convicted last year on four felony intimidation charges, and she faces a forgery and fraud trial next month.