Criminal Division

First Assistant Bob Krapenc
rkrapenc@franklincountyohio.gov 

The Criminal Division is responsible for prosecuting felony offenses and advancing public safety through ethical, effective, and community-focused prosecution. The division is organized into three key units: the Violent Crime Unit, the General Felony Unit, and the Strategic Operations Unit. Together, these units handle cases from indictment through resolution while supporting victims, strengthening prosecutorial excellence, and addressing the most serious drivers of crime in our community.

Violent Crime Unit (VCU)

Chief Counsel Jason Manning
jmanning@franklincountyohio.gov

The Violent Crime Unit focuses on the prosecution of the most serious and high-priority offenses, including homicides, violent offenders, gang-related violence, domestic violence, and other crimes that pose significant risk to community safety.

The unit’s goal is to disrupt patterns of violence by targeting repeat offenders, organized criminal activity, and the primary drivers of violent crime. Prosecutors in this unit work closely with law enforcement and specialized partners to ensure thorough investigations and accountable outcomes.

Major Crimes Unit

Director: Steven Schott
sschott@franklincountyohio.gov

The Major Crimes Unit includes specialized teams focused on Major Homicide and Gangs. These units handle highly complex and resource-intensive cases considering many of these cases include multiple defendants.

Special Victims Unit (SVU)

Director: Daniel Meyer
dmeyer@franklincountyohio.gov

Deputy Director: Dan Lenert
dlenert@franklincountyohio.gov

The Special Victims Unit prosecutes cases involving crimes against vulnerable victims, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and crimes involving children. SVU applies a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach while pursuing accountability for serious offenses.

Prosecutors in this unit work closely with Victim & Witness Services and community partners to support survivors throughout the legal process and ensure cases are handled with care, expertise, and sensitivity.

General Felony Unit (GFU)

Chief Counsel David Zeyen
dzeyen@franklincountyohio.gov

The General Felony Unit handles a broad range of serious felony cases, including assault, theft, burglary, and other felony offenses. This unit serves as the primary division responsible for prosecuting most felony indictments returned by the grand jury.

GFU prosecutors manage cases from indictment through trial or resolution and play a central role in the daily operations of the Criminal Division.

Trial Staff

Our highly skilled trial staff handle active felony caseloads and are responsible for courtroom litigation, motion practice, trials, and case resolution. This team ensures efficient and fair prosecution while maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity.

Grand Jury Unit

Megan Farley, Director
mfarley@franklincountyohio.gov

Ellie Burnett, Deputy Director
eburnett@franklincountyohio.gov

The Grand Jury unit is responsible for presenting cases for indictment and providing legal guidance throughout the grand jury process. Prosecutors work closely with law enforcement to review investigations and ensure cases are appropriately and ethically charged.

Victim & Witness Assistant Unit

Marisa Barragan, Director
mbarragan@franklincountyohio.gov

Rachel Gangwer, Deputy Director
rgangwer@franklincountyohio.gov

The Victim & Witness Assistant Unit provides critical support to victims and witnesses involved in felony cases across the Criminal Division. This unit offers advocacy, resources, court accompaniment, and ongoing communication to help individuals navigate the criminal justice process.

In addition to direct services, the unit plays a central role in ensuring the Prosecutor’s Office remains in compliance with Marsy’s Law, safeguarding victims’ constitutional rights to fairness, dignity, respect, and timely information throughout the prosecution process. By prioritizing access, transparency, and communication, the Victim & Witness Assistant Unit helps ensure that victims’ voices are heard and their rights and needs are addressed at every stage of a case.

Strategic Operations Unit (SOU)

Chief Counsel Marla Farbacher
mfarbacher@franklincountyohio.gov

The Strategic Operations Unit supports the Criminal Division through training, professional development, and litigation support. This unit focuses on ensuring prosecutors are well-prepared, supported, and equipped with the tools necessary to uphold a high standard of legal practice.