Date of Offense
Offense(s)
Reporting Authority
Statement
During direct testimony from myself, Ms. Sohl learned that I was a veteran. It was also discussed that I have deployed twice. During her cross examination, specifically her last question to me was “If you were asked to jump off a bridge would you?”. While this was in reference to me saying I was following orders from my superiors, this is something that should not have been said.
She knew I was a veteran, and it is well known that the veteran suicide rate is at 22 a day. This kind of questioning is beyond offensive. As a prosecutor, for her to say this on the record, in front of a jury, and with other veterans in the courtroom, shows lack of professionalism. While the question was objected to, and sustained by the Judge, it should never have been said. Her conduct in this was unprofessional, offensive, and irresponsible. For her to think of even asking that shows a lack of maturity or empathy to the veteran community. I do not have the transcript for this incident to provide it. The Cuyahoga County Criminal case number is : CR-23-681351-I. It should be transcribed to the record.
