FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio Statement Regarding Butler County Prosecutor’s Brady List Action
Columbus, Ohio — The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, Inc. is concerned by the recent decision of Butler County Prosecutor Michael T. Gmoser to place Butler County Deputy and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 101 President Jasen Hatfield on a Brady list following comments he made on LinkedIn in his capacity as the elected President of his local FOP lodge.
Deputy Hatfield’s comments were made as a representative of his members and as part of his role advocating on behalf of the law enforcement officers of Lodge 101.
In a letter dated March 9, 2026, the prosecutor stated the post could affect Deputy Hatfield’s credibility as a witness and could constitute Brady material.
The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio believes the Brady doctrine was never intended to be used as a retaliatory tool against law enforcement officers or union leaders who publicly advocate for their members or express opinions about the administration of justice.
“Law enforcement officers who serve in leadership roles within the Fraternal Order of Police have both the right and the responsibility to speak out on issues impacting their members and the profession,” said FOP of Ohio President Jay McDonald. “Using a Brady list to punish an elected FOP leader for expressing concerns about a prosecution is a misuse of the Brady process and undermines the very purpose for which it exists.”
The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio supports efforts to ensure that law enforcement officers are afforded due process protections before being placed on any Brady list and believes this incident underscores the importance of legislative action to establish clear standards and safeguards.
The FOP of Ohio will continue to support Butler County FOP Lodge 101 and stand in defense of the rights of law enforcement officers and their elected representatives.
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