CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 4, 2012 - The Cincinnati NAACP has been working to negotiate the early release of Steven Blount from prison.  Mr. Blount was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  Mr. Blount was released from prison and was transported back from Columbus to Cincinnati to be with his family. The Cincinnati NAACP would like to thank Governor Kasich's office, the Hamilton County Prosecutor's office, the Public Defender's office, and the Blount family for working together to successfully negotiate the release of Steven Blount.  "Stephanie Blount and the Blount family deserve tremendous credit for never giving up.  Their Attorney Robert Hasting did an excellent job working with the Hamilton County Prosecutor and Judge Cooper to coordinate the early judicial release.  The Cincinnati NAACP would like to thank Willie Cunningham for coordinating communication between the Governors office and the Cincinnati NAACP. Jim Clingman did a great job assisting in the successful early release of Mr. Blount. This is a tremendous success story of humanity extended by many people on behalf of the Blount family.  Our prayers are extended to the family as they spend whatever time God allows them to have with each other," Christopher Smitherman, president of the Cincinnati NAACP said. 

It is important that the Cincinnati NAACP specifically thank Attorney Kim Kutschbach from Governor Kasich office and the Governor's Chief of Staff Rob Nichols for reviewing the legal merits of this case and involving the Governor's office for the successful release.  "I can not stress to the Executive Committee and the Cincinnati NAACP how important a role the Governor's office played in gaining the freedom of Mr. Blount. This is the second judicial case the Governor's office has assisted the Cincinnati NAACP in resolving.  The Cincinnati NAACP has extended an open invitation for the Governor to address the general membership of the Cincinnati NAACP," Smitherman said.