Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office announces launch of Special Victims Unit

The Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office has announced the implementation of a new Special Victims Unit (SVU) on Thursday.

According to a press release, the SVU will be staffed by assistant Mahoning County prosecutors to deal with cases including:

- Sexual assaults

- Domestic violence / domestic homicides

- Crimes against children (child endangering, child pornography, etc.)

- Human trafficking

- Crimes against individuals with developmental disabilities

- Elder abuse (physical and financial)

- Animal cruelty

Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina DeGenova says the addition of the SVU will ensure the protection of the most vulnerable members of the community. DeGenova adds that prosecutor Jennifer McLaughlin Bonish will serve as Chief of the unit.

"Chief Bonish has extensive experience in prosecuting sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse cases in Mahoning County. In her 18 years as an attorney, she has prosecuted numerous criminal jury trials and secured the first jury verdict finding a defendant guilty of human trafficking," DeGenova said.

"The SVU is an opportunity for our office to prioritize seeking justice for our community's most vulnerable victims. Special victims need prosecutors who are prepared to deal with unique issues presented in these types of cases. Some of these victims cannot speak for themselves in court, but they deserve to have their abusers held accountable for their crimes," Bonish said.

DeGenova adds that Bonish is also very passionate about animal welfare.

In addition to Bonish, the team of assistant prosecutors will consist of Caitlyn Andrews, Kevin Day, Katie Jones and Daniel Yozwiak. 

According to the release, a distinct feature of the SVU will be "vertical prosecution" meaning the same prosecutors will handle cases from pre-indictment through sentencing.

Through this model, victims of crimes like sexual assault will know who their prosecutors are early in the process, as well as who to contact with questions or concerns as the case moves forward.

This model will also reduce the trauma for victims of describing their victimization to numerous prosecutors during various stages of the case.

Another key to the SVU will be community partnerships. According to the release, the SVU will work with the Mahoning County Children's Services Board, the Child Advocacy Center at Akron Children's Hospital and law enforcement agencies across the county.

Additionally, the SVU will collaborate with the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities, COMPASS Family and Community Services, Direction Home of Eastern Ohio and Animal Charity of Ohio.

A press conference will be held on Monday, January 29. These community partners and members of the SVU are expected to be in attendance.