A Hancock County, Indiana deputy prosecutor was terminated from her position on November 14, 2024, after making inflammatory social media posts criticizing supporters of former President Donald Trump and comparing them to Nazis, county officials announced Wednesday.
Jordan Stroh, deputy prosecuting attorney, was dismissed after posting on Facebook: “If you voted for Trump, you disgust me.” She also shared additional posts that drew parallels between Trump voters and Nazi supporters.
Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton said the decision to terminate Stroh came after considering the office’s commitment to impartial justice.
In a letter obtained by FOX59/CBS4, Eaton addressed Stroh’s posts, describing them as problematic. He emphasized that the HCPO’s effectiveness relies on public trust and that all individuals, regardless of their political views, should feel assured that the HCPO will treat them respectfully.
Eaton further noted that Stroh’s posts conflict with the HCPO’s mission, values, and organizational goals. He expressed that his reaction would be the same if the posts had involved supporters of Kamala Harris, as the content undermines confidence among the public, colleagues, and law enforcement in her ability to make unbiased decisions based solely on law and facts.
In concluding the letter, Eaton pointed out that Stroh’s actions had damaged the office’s public trust. As a prosecutor, he said, she is responsible for upholding justice, but her posts have permanently harmed the credibility and trust of the public places in the HCPO.
The posts appeared shortly after Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. According to a local media source, the social media activity reflected heightened political tensions following the electoral outcome. The newspaper reported Stroh’s posts included references comparing contemporary political dynamics to historical events.
Legal experts note that while government employees maintain First Amendment rights, these protections can be limited when speech interferes with their ability to perform official duties effectively. The termination has sparked discussions about the balance between personal expression and professional responsibilities in the legal system.
The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council emphasized that maintaining public trust is essential for the justice system’s functioning. The organization noted that prosecutors must demonstrate impartiality in their professional conduct and public communications to ensure fair treatment of all citizens.
Local defense attorneys in Hancock County expressed concerns about potential bias in past cases handled by Stroh. The prosecutor’s office announced it would review cases to ensure no prejudicial treatment occurred, though they stated there was no evidence of bias in her handling of previous prosecutions.
The case has drawn attention from legal professionals nationwide, highlighting the increasingly complex relationship between public servants’ private social media presence and their professional obligations. In light of the incident, several bar associations have begun reviewing their social media guidelines for prosecutors.
