State of Ohio
Criminal Investigator 2 - Wrongful Conviction Project
State of Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43224
Criminal Investigator 2 – Wrongful Conviction Project
State of Ohio’s Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is sought a dedicated professional to serve as the fact investigator for the Wrongful Conviction Project (WCP). The WCP is dedicated to identifying, investigating, and litigating cases of actual innocence for incarcerated people in Ohio. The Project also works to educate others on the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions and advocate for policy reform.
As the sole fact investigator for the WCP, you will work with a team of attorneys, a paralegal, and student interns who make up a motivated, highly collaborative team. The position will be based in Columbus, Ohio, and requires regular travel throughout the state. You will work independently and with a team, regularly interacting with attorneys, core support staff, student interns, clients, witnesses, and experts.
You will conduct in‑depth field investigations of high‑level felony and complex innocence cases by investigating the facts and circumstances of the alleged offense(s) and the client’s or potential client’s background. You will synthesize information gathered in investigations and recommend how to develop and present themes and theories to courts. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to justice and to the goals, mission and values of the WCP and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender.
The successful candidate will have passion for working with diverse clientele who are facing the challenges of wrongful conviction, incarceration, and reentry. The candidate will also be detail oriented, a meticulous recordkeeper, and have strong interpersonal skills. Preferred experience includes conducting fact investigations and helping to pursue a fair justice system.
Travel: you will travel throughout the state and occasionally outside the state. Weekly car travel average is two days a week but can be more depending on need. The agency maintains a fleet of vehicles for you to reserve; use of a fleet vehicle requires evidence of a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance coverage.
Essential duties performed by the position include but are not limited to:
Investigate the facts and circumstances of the alleged offense(s), gather and analyze records, gather documentation to support expert and lay witness testimony, and obtain and notarize affidavits and collect physical documentary evidence.
Travel throughout Ohio and outside the state as necessary to locate, interview, and investigate witnesses, evidence, materials, and records; identify, locate, contact, and interview suspects, claimants, family members, employees, executives, medical or psychological service providers, attorneys, and federal, state and municipal agencies to obtain case information; assist with transporting witnesses.
Prepare complex reports of interviews and findings and detailed timelines for case preparation and presentations.
Consult with internal and external attorneys and experts to develop trial, post‑conviction, and appellate sentencing phase themes and theories; assist with preparing witnesses or clients for testimony.
Obtain and analyze other anecdotal and documentary evidence relevant to the client’s history and environmental and cultural background.
Lead brainstorming and strategizing discussions.
Assist in providing educational experiences for student interns: meet with interns to develop investigation plans, delegate tasks, and monitor completion of tasks.
Testify in court regarding findings: present findings of the investigations to attorneys and experts; act as liaison with clients’ families, law enforcement and other administrative agencies to transmit vital information.
Provide re‑entry support for released clients: coordinate with attorneys, identify appropriate community services and resources related to housing, benefits, healthcare (including mental health services), financial assistance, employment, and drug/alcohol intervention.
Qualifications:
12 months experience in conducting criminal investigations of felonies & misdemeanors or claim fraud.
Or 24 months experience in conducting investigations of complaints & possible violations of laws & rules or agency/company policies & procedures.
Or 12 months experience as Criminal Investigator 1, 26121.
Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
Pay:
The position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s OCSEA Pay Schedule Pay Range 31. Starting pay will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Pay levels increase after six months and annually thereafter. The FY26 pay range is: Step 1 $27.92 hourly / $58,074 annually; Step 2 $29.22 / $60,778; Step 3 $30.55 / $63,544; Step 4 $31.88 / $66,310; Step 5 $33.52 / $69,722; Step 6 $35.15 / $73,112; Step 7 $36.90 / $76,752.
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact 614‑466‑5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov.
Office of the Ohio Public Defender – mission: advocating, fighting, helping. Vision: a fair justice system. Values: compassion, dignity, equity, integrity, service, community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As the sole fact investigator for the WCP, you will work with a team of attorneys, a paralegal, and student interns who make up a motivated, highly collaborative team. The position will be based in Columbus, Ohio, and requires regular travel throughout the state. You will work independently and with a team, regularly interacting with attorneys, core support staff, student interns, clients, witnesses, and experts.
You will conduct in‑depth field investigations of high‑level felony and complex innocence cases by investigating the facts and circumstances of the alleged offense(s) and the client’s or potential client’s background. You will synthesize information gathered in investigations and recommend how to develop and present themes and theories to courts. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to justice and to the goals, mission and values of the WCP and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender.
The successful candidate will have passion for working with diverse clientele who are facing the challenges of wrongful conviction, incarceration, and reentry. The candidate will also be detail oriented, a meticulous recordkeeper, and have strong interpersonal skills. Preferred experience includes conducting fact investigations and helping to pursue a fair justice system.
Travel: you will travel throughout the state and occasionally outside the state. Weekly car travel average is two days a week but can be more depending on need. The agency maintains a fleet of vehicles for you to reserve; use of a fleet vehicle requires evidence of a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance coverage.
Essential duties performed by the position include but are not limited to:
Investigate the facts and circumstances of the alleged offense(s), gather and analyze records, gather documentation to support expert and lay witness testimony, and obtain and notarize affidavits and collect physical documentary evidence.
Travel throughout Ohio and outside the state as necessary to locate, interview, and investigate witnesses, evidence, materials, and records; identify, locate, contact, and interview suspects, claimants, family members, employees, executives, medical or psychological service providers, attorneys, and federal, state and municipal agencies to obtain case information; assist with transporting witnesses.
Prepare complex reports of interviews and findings and detailed timelines for case preparation and presentations.
Consult with internal and external attorneys and experts to develop trial, post‑conviction, and appellate sentencing phase themes and theories; assist with preparing witnesses or clients for testimony.
Obtain and analyze other anecdotal and documentary evidence relevant to the client’s history and environmental and cultural background.
Lead brainstorming and strategizing discussions.
Assist in providing educational experiences for student interns: meet with interns to develop investigation plans, delegate tasks, and monitor completion of tasks.
Testify in court regarding findings: present findings of the investigations to attorneys and experts; act as liaison with clients’ families, law enforcement and other administrative agencies to transmit vital information.
Provide re‑entry support for released clients: coordinate with attorneys, identify appropriate community services and resources related to housing, benefits, healthcare (including mental health services), financial assistance, employment, and drug/alcohol intervention.
Qualifications:
12 months experience in conducting criminal investigations of felonies & misdemeanors or claim fraud.
Or 24 months experience in conducting investigations of complaints & possible violations of laws & rules or agency/company policies & procedures.
Or 12 months experience as Criminal Investigator 1, 26121.
Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
Pay:
The position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s OCSEA Pay Schedule Pay Range 31. Starting pay will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Pay levels increase after six months and annually thereafter. The FY26 pay range is: Step 1 $27.92 hourly / $58,074 annually; Step 2 $29.22 / $60,778; Step 3 $30.55 / $63,544; Step 4 $31.88 / $66,310; Step 5 $33.52 / $69,722; Step 6 $35.15 / $73,112; Step 7 $36.90 / $76,752.
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact 614‑466‑5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov.
Office of the Ohio Public Defender – mission: advocating, fighting, helping. Vision: a fair justice system. Values: compassion, dignity, equity, integrity, service, community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr