Staff

Prosecutor Bailey is proud to serve the Hardin County Community and is thankful for the opportunity to serve a second elected term. Mr. Bailey was born in Kenton, Ohio. He graduated from Kenton Senior High School and then went on to attend The Ohio State University. After college, Mr. Bailey came home to Hardin County to attend law school at Ohio Northern University. He graduated from ONU in 1978 and has been practicing law since 1979.

From 1979 to 1989 Mr. Bailey served as an assistant prosecutor and assistant city law director. Mr. Bailey also served as the attorney for the Child Support Enforcement Agency and the now defunct County Court from 1979 to 1983. Until Mr. Bailey was elected to office in late 2004, he had engaged for 25 years in a successful private practice that gave him experience in a number of areas, including civil law, domestic relations and criminal defense work. During this time, he was also the solicitor for multiple villages throughout Hardin County.

Mr. Bailey is active in many Hardin County organizations and activities. He is proud to serve the community as its elected Prosecuting Attorney and seeks to improve the quality of life in our county.

The Hardin County Prosecutor's Office is located in the basement of the Courthouse at One Courthouse Square, Suite 50, Kenton, Ohio 43326. The telephone number is (419) 674-2284. The fax number is (419) 674-4767. The office is open during regular county office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Siobhonne K. Ward, Assistant Prosecutor

Ms. Ward is a Hardin County native who attended The Ohio State University before attending law school at Ohio Northern University. She graduated from ONU in 2005 and received her license to practice law that fall. Prior to becoming a full-time assistant, Ms. Ward split her time with this office and a private firm where she engaged in matters of a civil nature in law.

Linda S. Hinton, Assistant Prosecutor

Ms. Hinton is a Hardin County native who attended Ohio Northern University for both undergraduate study and law school. Ms. Hinton has been practicing law since 2003. She joined the prosecutor's office in the fall of 2016 and is primarily responsible for all matters in juvenile court, including representing the Hardin County Department of Job and Family Services in Abuse, Neglect, and/or Dependency actions.

Andrew R. Tudor, Assistant Prosecutor

Mr. Tudor is a graduate of Ohio State University and attended law school at Ohio Northern University. He graduated with distinction from Ohio Northern in 2011 and received his license to practice law that November. Mr. Tudor is also the Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Kenton and Hardin County.

McKenzie J. Klingler, Assistant Prosecutor

Ms. Klingler is a graduate of Trine University and attended law school at Ohio Northern University. She graduated from ONU in 2018 and has been practicing law since that fall. Ms. Klingler spent her last year in law school as a law clerk with the prosecutor's office and became a full-time assistant after passing the bar.

Jennifer Scott, Investigator

Ms. Scott is a Hardin County native who serves as an Investigator for the Prosecutor's Office. Ms. Scott most recently served the Hardin County Community as a Sheriff's Deputy and Dispatcher. In her capacity as Investigator, Ms. Scott serves as a liaison for law enforcement and the Prosecutor's Office.

Pat Knippen, Investigator

Ms. Knippen has joined the office after spending 35 years in the Child Protective/Adult Protective field. She is a Licensed Social Worker in Ohio since 1986. She will be assisting with cases that involve children and sexual assaults.

Ashley Knippen, Investigator

Ms. Knippen serves as an Investigator for the Prosecutor’s Office. Previously, Ms. Knippen was employed through the Lima Police Department for 3 years as a police officer. She is a graduate of Bluffton University and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy. While at Bluffton University, Ms. Knippen obtained a Bachelor’s Degree with majors in social work and criminal justice and minored in sociology. In her role as an Investigator, Ms. Knippen will serve as a liaison between the Prosecutor’s Office and Law Enforcement.

Tracy Wright, Victim Advocate

Mr. Wright joined the Prosecutor’s Office in November 2021. He brings with him, just over 35 years’ experience in Child Welfare and Adolescent Mental health. Prior to beginning work with the Prosecutor’s Office, Mr. Wright spent 27 years at Hardin County Job and Family Services where he dealt with abuse, neglect, and dependency cases. In his role as Victim Advocate, Mr. Wright will serve as a liaison to the victim(s) in cases being prosecuted by the County Prosecutor and his team of assistants. His duties include: providing information and notification of court proceedings, facilitates communication with prosecutors, and offers advocacy, support and referrals to victims to reduce the stress, fear, alienation, and confusion victims sometimes experience as they navigate through the criminal justice system.