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Springfield, Ohio, September 24, 2024 — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, are facing criminal charges filed by Guerline Jozef, leader of the nonprofit organization Haitian Bridge Alliance. The charges stem from accusations that Trump and Vance spread rumors about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, claiming they were eating pets. These claims have been repeatedly debunked by local and state officials.
Legal Action Initiated by Haitian Advocacy Group
The charges were filed under an Ohio statute that allows private citizens to pursue criminal charges. Jozef, acting on behalf of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, alleges that the spread of these false rumors led to increased threats and harassment against the local Haitian community, straining city resources and creating a hostile environment.
The charges filed against Trump and Vance include the following:
- Making False Alarms
- Telecommunications Harassment
- Aggravated Menacing
- Violating the Prohibition Against Complicity
Jozef emphasized that the accusations against the Haitian community have caused significant harm, leading to unnecessary fear and division in Springfield. “These false claims have put innocent lives at risk and must be addressed through the legal system,” she stated.
City and County Officials to Review Charges
The charges are now under review by the Springfield City Prosecutor, the County Prosecutor, and the City Law Director. Their offices will determine whether there is probable cause to move forward with the case.
Both Trump and Vance have not yet publicly responded to the charges. The rumors they are accused of spreading have been consistently refuted by city and state officials, who have stressed that there is no evidence to support the claims about Haitian immigrants engaging in such acts.
Impact on the Local Community
The local Haitian community has expressed concern over the negative attention and hostility generated by the rumors. Jozef and other community leaders argue that the spread of these claims has further marginalized the Haitian population in Springfield, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and discrimination.
City officials have also acknowledged that the rumors have strained local resources, as police and other services have had to address the heightened tensions and threats related to the false claims.
