Trumbull County prosecutor calls on other prosecutor's offices to set up newsletter program

Trumbull Count Prosecutor, Dennis Watkins is calling on other prosecutor's offices across the country to set up their own website with a newsletter informing the public on the status of repeat violent offenders.

In a press release sent to 21 News on Thursday, Watkins pointed out his office's success in keeping repeat violent offenders in prison and in turn keeping the public safe.

Watkins says in order to continue to do that, prosecutor's offices need to find a way to keep the public informed about these offenders, suggesting a bi-monthly or quarterly newsletter that would inform the public of the following:

- When a repeat violent offender is up for parole

- When a new violent offense is committed by an inmate on parole 

- When a citizen of the local community is hurt or killed by a repeat traveling offender even if they are out of town traveling or on vacation

Earlier this year, Watkins's office received a grant from Governor Mike DeWine's office aiding in the prosecution of repeat violent offenders and handling the post-COVID case load in Trumbull County.

The money allowed for Watkins to hire another assistant prosecutor along with an investigator who doubles as a public information officer who edits newsletters, which can be found on the office's website.