CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — A comprehensive study by a professor at Georgia State University, has alleged significant racial disparities in drug sentencing within Pickaway County by the county’s top judge. The analysis, conducted by Professor Kat Albrecht of Georgia State University, commissioned by defense attorney Gabrielle Ploplis is based on 1,132 drug-related cases. It indicates that Black defendants are sentenced more harshly than white defendants by Court of Common Please Judge, P. Randall Knece, a finding that has sparked a legal and community response.
Ploplis, who was instrumental in the data gathering, emphasized the thoroughness of the study’s methodology, stating, “Well, a noteworthy feature of this study is that it relied overwhelmingly on court documentation… Because of that, it was important not only to collect the information from reliable sources but to also engage in confirmation efforts such as consideration of more than one source for the information collected.”
The demographic analysis revealed a significant overrepresentation of Black defendants.
“What we know to be true inherently about the criminal justice system is that it does not in any way operate fairly for people of color… All of this provides important context when considering the dramatic distinction between the black population in Pickaway County and the percentage of black defendants within the dataset.”
In terms of sentencing outcomes, Ploplis highlighted the racial bias, saying, “This disparity is due to racial bias within the criminal justice system, and specifically, with this particular judge, Judge P. Randall Knece… What the study shows is that even when Dr. Albrecht considered numerous factors in her analysis, there was still a dramatic disparity in sentencing outcomes between black and white defendants.”
The data also showed that when accounting for prior convictions, racial disparities persisted. Ploplis explained, “What this data shows is that even when considering the presence or absence of a prior felony, black defendants are still receiving worse outcomes. The study shows conclusively that the strongest indicator of sentence outcome is race.”
On the issue of drug types and the nature of charges, Ploplis was clear about the underlying issue.
“This is absolutely due to racial bias. Dr. Kat Albrecht’s report shows conclusively that the strongest indicator of whether a defendant will receive incarceration is their race. Not only this, but when they do receive incarceration, their sentences will be longer than those given to white defendants.”
Ploplis pointed out the disparity in sentence length, particularly in RICO cases.
“Again, the strongest indicator of sentence length is the defendant race. As Dr. Kat Albrecht illustrated in her report, for RICO cases, the disparity is tremendous.”
With only four out of 26 defendants charged with both RICO and Felony 1 trafficking receiving sentences for both, Ploplis provided insight into why Black defendants were disproportionately affected, “This is because, as Dr. Albrecht stated in her report – black defendants are overwhelmingly more likely to be sentenced to incarceration than white defendants.”
Legal and policy implications were also discussed by Ploplis, who called for reform.
“This is the first time that a study like this has been conducted in Pickaway County. I hope that this study awakens initiative in the county to address these disparities… Ohio Supreme Court Justice, Michael Donnelly has long advocated for a sentencing database state-wide.”
Regarding community impact, Ploplis described the broader effects.
“The impact on the community is devastating. Black men and women who get tangled into the criminal justice system leave children without parents, parents without sons and daughters, siblings without one another… the list goes on.”
Ploplis also expressed hope for community and legal reaction.
“Our hope is that local leaders, legal experts, and community members will move for change and accountability in light of these findings.”
While comprehensive studies like this are rare, Ploplis noted, “Unfortunately, there is not a large pool of studies throughout other counties in Ohio like this… If this information were more easily accessible to the public, we might see more of this work being done.”
For future research, Ploplis outlined the next steps.
“This study, and the filings submitted on behalf of [my client] are in pursuit of relief from his unfair and unconstitutional conviction and sentence… Right now, we are waiting on a ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court on an affidavit of disqualification of Judge P. Randall Knece from [my client’s] case.”
Knece has been asked to recuse himself from a case involving a Black defendant, a matter now before the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court. Knece has been asked by the defense to step off a pending case involving a black man; the judge was given three weeks by the Guardian to reply to a request for an interview regarding this story. He chose not to reply.
To view the study, click here.