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 covert negotiations for a substantial 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. In response, Long has firmly denied the existence of any secret discussions regarding a settlement, stating, “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,” as reported by FOX19.
Kober’s claims suggest that any potential settlement with the Hinton family could amount to millions of dollars, intensifying tensions between local law enforcement and city management. His comments come at a particularly fraught moment; just a day after Ryan Hinton’s death, his father, Rodney Hinton, was accused of murdering Larry Henderson, a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy. Kober revealed in an interview with WLWT that city council members are expected to be briefed on a tentative agreement on the forthcoming Monday, although no vote is anticipated.
Complex Background of the Incident
The situation surrounding the Hinton case is tragic and multifaceted. Ryan Hinton was killed following a police pursuit, and the turmoil escalated when his father, Rodney Hinton, allegedly retaliated against law enforcement. Witnesses report that just two days after his son’s death, Rodney Hinton struck Deputy Henderson with a vehicle, leading to the deputy’s fatality. Rodney Hinton now faces multiple charges, including murder and aggravated murder, but he will not be subjected to the death penalty due to a serious mental illness that affects his judgment, as reported by Local12.
In light of Kober’s assertions, Cincinnati City Council member Jeff Cramerding has voiced his disapproval of any potential settlement. Cramerding emphasized that no clear evidence of wrongdoing exists on the part of either the officer or the city at this moment. “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 articulated, according to Local12.
Upcoming Briefing and Community Impact
City Manager Long is scheduled to provide an update to the council during a private session on Monday, which adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate saga surrounding the Hinton incident. As the community grapples with the fallout from these events, the implications of potential settlement talks and their consequences for public trust in law enforcement remain a pressing concern.
The ongoing situation reflects broader tensions within the community, where the intersection of law enforcement actions and public perception continues to evolve. As details unfold, all eyes will be on the Cincinnati City Council and how they choose to navigate this challenging landscape.
