More than a year after Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther called a Franklin County Municipal Court judge and asked her to side with the city, the mayor will face no charges.
The special prosecutor assigned to investigate, Whitehall City Attorney Brad Nicodemus, announced Wednesday afternoon that his investigation into the Oct. 11, 2023 phone call did not find probable cause for charges of obstruction of official business nor interference with civil rights.
On Oct. 11, 2023, Ginther told Environmental Judge Stephanie Mingo that a West Side bus terminal was a problem for the community and Mingo needed to do the right thing, Mingo has said in court. At the time, the city was fighting to close the bus terminal on Wilson Road that serves Barons Bus and Greyhound lines after neighbors complained about crime, litter, traffic and other problems.
Nicodemus released the letter he sent to Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein explaining his reasoning. In the letter, Nicodemus said:
"There has been no suggestion, and there is no evidence, Mayor Ginther's call was in an effort to conspire to deprive the parties of their rights. Therefore, whether or not Mayor Ginther's call knowingly deprived or attempted to deprive the parties of a fair and impartial trial is determinative."
"Mayor Ginther gave his opinion the Greyhoud station was a problem and asked Judge Mingo to shut it down. He disclosed no facts or other potential evidence. Mayor Ginther's statements are less prejudicial than others in which no prosecution is pursued."