The president of the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Ken Kober, has made serious allegations against City Manager Sheryl Long, claiming she is engaged in clandestine negotiations regarding a significant settlement with the family of Ryan Hinton. Hinton, an 18-year-old, was fatally shot by police on May 1, 2025, during an incident related to a stolen vehicle report. Long has firmly denied these claims, asserting that no such settlement talks are taking place outside public scrutiny or city council oversight.
“The City has not reached a settlement agreement, and I vehemently reject the notion that any discussions are being rushed, are happening in secret, or are designed to keep information from City Council,” Long stated, as reported by FOX19. Kober’s accusations suggest the potential for a settlement reaching into the millions, highlighting the growing tension between local law enforcement and city management.
Background of the Incident
The controversy follows a tragic sequence of events. Following the fatal shooting of Ryan Hinton, his father, Rodney Hinton, faced accusations of murdering Larry Henderson, a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy. This incident reportedly occurred two days after the police shooting when Rodney Hinton allegedly struck Henderson with a car after viewing body camera footage of his son’s death. He is now charged with murder, felonious assault, and two counts of aggravated murder. Due to a serious mental illness that impairs his judgment, he will not face the death penalty, according to Local12.
In an interview with WLWT, Kober indicated that the city council is expected to be briefed about a tentative settlement agreement on Monday, although no vote will occur at that time. This assertion adds to the complexity of the case, stirring further concern within the community.
Reactions from City Officials
Cincinnati City Council member Jeff Cramerding has voiced his opposition to any potential settlement, emphasizing that there has been no clear evidence of wrongdoing by the officer involved or the city itself at this stage. “There’s been no evidence of wrongdoing by the city or the officer at this juncture, so I think that would send the wrong message to citizens and the police if there was a settlement. I would oppose it,” Cramerding stated, as reported by Local12.
The city manager is scheduled to provide a briefing to the council in a private session on Monday, adding another layer to the complicated narrative surrounding the Hinton incident. The ongoing situation continues to evoke strong emotions within the community, as residents seek answers and accountability in what has become a deeply polarizing case.
