Former Ohio public defender dies by suicide after arrest
Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2025 12:14 am
https://www.mahoningmatters.com/news/st ... 71645.html
Stebbins was arrested in late September on charges of pandering child pornography, according to records at the Franklin County Clerk’s office. Stebbins, 77, had represented many clients on Ohio’s death row, and supervised more-junior public defenders doing so. According to a charging document, Stebbins in May transmitted images of a boy engaged in sexual activity. He was arrested in late September and posted bond on Sept. 25. His was one of 135 arrests as part of the Operation Next Door crackdown announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Others were charged with compelling prostitution, seeking sex with a minor, or being “johns” seeking sex with a prostitute. On Oct. 2, Stebbins died at his Piedmont Road home from “self inflicted sharp force injury” to the wrists and neck, the coroner’s report said.