Cincinnati’s Weak Judges and Soft Bail Policies Put Innocent Lives at Risk

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A brutal attack in Cincinnati has put a spotlight on weak bail policies that let dangerous people walk free.

According to The Daily Signal (August 15, 2025), the incident has fueled outrage over how courts handle bond decisions – and for good reason.

When judges set low bail amounts or release violent offenders without serious consequences, it doesn’t just “give someone another chance.” It puts law-abiding citizens in harm’s way.

Conservatives argue this is exactly what happened in Cincinnati, and sadly, it’s becoming a trend across the country.

What Went Wrong in Cincinnati

In late July, a violent downtown attack left several victims badly injured. Six suspects have been charged with multiple felonies, including felonious assault, aggravated rioting, and assault.

Coverage from Fox News described “courtroom drama” as bonds were cut sharply for some defendants.

Dekyra Vernon’s bond was reduced from $200,000 to $25,000 at 10%, drawing cheers in the gallery. Her lawyer argued race and politics had inflated the case, but prosecutors called that claim offensive.

Another defendant, Aisha Devaughn, had her $300,000 bond lowered to $25,000 after her attorney pointed to her lack of prior felonies.

Jermaine Matthews also received the same reduced bond and is allowed to continue working while awaiting trial.

The most serious charges fell on Patrick Rosemond, accused of nearly killing a young woman named Holly.

Prosecutors say Rosemond not only knocked her unconscious but also taunted injured victims at the scene. His bond was set much higher – $500,000.

Holly herself spoke out alongside Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio: The man who attacked me, and might have permanently damaged me forever, should have never been on the streets.

She revealed Rosemond had just been released from jail for a prior crime that should have kept him locked up for years.

For many, this case shows what happens when bail is treated like a revolving door instead of a safeguard for public safety.

Law and Order Isn’t Just a Slogan

Personal responsibility and the rule of law go hand in hand. If you commit a violent crime, you should be held accountable.

This case drives home several core conservative values:

  • Accountability matters. Low bail lets criminals dodge consequences.

  • Deterrence matters. If punishment isn’t certain, crime becomes a low-risk gamble.

  • Law enforcement matters. Police lose credibility when their arrests mean nothing.

  • Victims matter most. Families and neighborhoods should never come second to criminals.

In short, a justice system that puts offenders back on the streets undermines trust and makes communities less safe.

What Nevada Can Teach

While Cincinnati struggles with lenient bond policies, Nevada is taking the opposite approach. Governor Joe Lombardo, a former sheriff, has made public safety his top priority.

Earlier this year, he introduced the Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act, calling for tougher penalties on fentanyl dealers, repeat offenders, and thieves. Lombardo has said plainly that criminals who prey on Nevadans should not get a free pass.

This stands in sharp contrast to cities like Cincinnati, where critics say soft policies have emboldened criminals. Lombardo’s law-and-order stance shows how conservative leadership can steer policy back toward protecting citizens instead of coddling offenders.

Nevada has also reached bipartisan agreement on limiting “no-knock” raids, a reform conservatives supported as a check on government power. That’s an example of smart balance – liberty and safety together.

But when it comes to violent offenders, conservatives here know the answer isn’t loosening bail. It’s keeping dangerous people off the streets.

A Pattern Across America

Cincinnati’s struggles aren’t unique. We’ve seen the same story play out in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

When criminals know they can get out quickly, the deterrent effect of arrest disappears. Communities lose faith in the justice system, police morale drops, and victims feel abandoned.

The Case for Getting Tough Again

The Cincinnati attack is a painful reminder of what happens when the justice system prioritizes criminals over communities.

The priority should be clear: public safety comes first. That means higher bail for violent offenders, stronger penalties, and real support for law enforcement.

As Nevada shows, conservative leadership can strike the right balance – protecting freedoms while making sure neighborhoods stay safe.

Cities that ignore these lessons will keep paying the price in rising crime and broken trust.

The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.