Grandey hired to prosecute in county court in Greenfield

Former Highland County Prosecutor Jim Grandey has been hired by the prosecutor's office to represent the state in Highland County Court in Greenfield. 

Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins told The Highland County Press on Monday that Grandey has been covering the court for approximately a week.

"We are spread very thin. We have three courts to cover and two prosecutors. Our budget doesn't allow for me to hire another prosecutor, and Jim will cover it for $9,000 a year, which is pretty cheap for an attorney," Collins said. 

Grandey, who lives in Greenfield, retired as prosecutor in May. The Highland County Republican Central Committee appointed Collins as his replacement in June. Assistant Highland County Prosecutor David Henry left the office in May to accept a job with the Ohio Attorney General's Office. Collins hired Molly Bolek as an assistant prosecutor in July. 

The county court in Greenfield meets on Mondays, and there can be additional court dates throughout the week. 

"(Grandey) doesn't have an office in Hillsboro," Collins said. "He's responsible for prepping the cases, has a really good relationship with the Greenfield Police Department, and he lives in Greenfield. Financially, it's a good move for the county. He already knows the court, and could start right up with no training period." 

In addition to Highland County Court, the prosecutor's office also covers Highland County Common Pleas Court, Highland County Juvenile Court, and is the legal representative for county agencies. 

"Frankly, Molly and I can't cover three courts, just the two of us," Collins said, as there are sometimes hearings that take place at the same time in all three courts.