Section Chief
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-728-3083
Fax: 614-644-1926
Aaron.Farmer@OhioAGO.gov
Aaron joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Environmental Enforcement Section in 2008 and has served as Section Chief since 2023. As Chief, he leads the Section and oversees criminal prosecutions, civil enforcement actions and administrative appeals. Aaron also has served as Assistant Chief, supervised the attorneys and caseload in the Section’s Air Unit and participated in the litigation of numerous environmental enforcement actions and administrative cases for various units of the Section in state and federal courts. He served as Ohio’s lead environmental attorney on the Volkswagen diesel-engine matter, facilitating the allocation of Ohio EPA’s share of a $2.9-billion federal trust for diesel-pollution-reduction projects in Ohio. As lead attorney, he also convinced an Ohio appellate court to reject Volkswagen’s challenge and preserve Ohio’s authority to seek penalties against the car manufacturer. After the Supreme Court of Ohio agreed with the lower court and the Supreme Court of the United States passed on Volkswagen’s appeal, Volkswagen settled with Ohio for $3.5 million.
Aaron also works on comments and appeals of rulemakings promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, Aaron has participated in the Ohio Attorney General’s Major Appeals Group, which assists the Office of the State Solicitor General in brief writing and oral argument preparation for cases significant to the State of Ohio.
Before joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Environmental Enforcement Section, Aaron was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office. He managed the juvenile-delinquency docket and prosecuted felony cases, juvenile delinquencies and child support cases.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Ohio
- Tennessee
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
EDUCATION
- The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, J.D. 2005
- Miami University, B.S. (Business) 2002
LEADERSHIP
- Co-Chair of Planning Committee, Environmental Law Committee, Ohio State Bar Association (September 2012 through April 2013)
- Co-Chair of Environmental Law Committee, Columbus Bar Association (September 2011 through May 2013)
PRESENTATIONS
- Issues Concerning Water Pollution Prevention and Enforcement: Minimizing Water Pollution from Manure Sources in Ohio
- Columbus Bar Association, Columbus, Ohio 2011
- Rulemaking after Michigan v. EPA: When EPA Must, May, Must Not Consider Costs
- Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus, Ohio 2015
- The Personal Participation Theory – Ohio’s Direct Liability Alternative to Corporate Veil Piercing in Environmental Enforcement Cases
- Regional Environmental Enforcement Associations, Salt Lake City, Utah 2016
- Volkswagen Diesel Fraud: Injunctions in Federal Court Drive Pollution Reductions in Ohio
- Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus, Ohio 2017
- 2018 Environment, Energy, and Resources Case Law Update
- Ohio State Bar Association: Columbus, Ohio 2018
- Ohio Pipeline Litigation: Is the 6th Circuit the New ERAC?
- Ohio State Bar Association: Columbus, Ohio 2019
- Climate Change: Methane Regulation and Industries’ Response to Disasters
- Ohio State Bar Association: Columbus, Ohio 2020 (remote presentation)
- Volkswagen: The Diesel Fraud, the Diesel Projects, and the States’ Enforcement
- Ohio State Bar Association: Columbus, Ohio 2022 (remote presentation)
Assistant Section Chief
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-5276
Fax: 614-644-1926
Sally.Montell@OhioAGO.gov
Sally joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Environmental Enforcement Section in 2017. She currently serves as the Assistant Section Chief. Sally previously supervised the Criminal Prosecution Unit and prosecuted environmental crimes throughout the State of Ohio. Sally also served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Section’s Solid Waste and BUSTR unit. Sally has successfully represented the State of Ohio in numerous civil hearings, bench trials, criminal hearings, and jury trials.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Sally was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Columbus City Attorney’s Office. Sally prosecuted misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases in Franklin County Municipal Court and environmental cases in the Franklin County Environmental Court.
BAR ADMISSION
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2013
- Miami University, B.A., Social Work, 2007
LEADERSHIP
- Co-Chair of the office’s Women Employee Network (2023 to present)
- Representative for the Northeast Environmental Enforcement Project (2020 to present)
PRESENTATIONS
- Environmental Caselaw Update
- Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus, Ohio 2023
- Environmental Crimes
- Columbus Bar Association, Columbus, Ohio 2022
- Environmental Crimes: How the Ohio Attorney General Protects the Health and Safety of Ohioans
- Cincinnati Bar Association, virtual 2022
- A Prosecutor’s Guide to Open Dumping and Illegal Disposal
- Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Columbus, Ohio 2021
- Environmental Law Enforcement Workshop
- Keep Ohio Beautiful, Dayton, Ohio 2022
- Environmental Crimes in Disadvantaged Communities: Cases and Discussion
- Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus, Ohio 2021
- Environmental Law & Enforcement Training: Environmental Concerns for Interest Groups
- Ottawa-Sandusky-Seneca Joint Solid Waste District, Fremont 2020
- Environmental Caselaw Update
- Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus, Ohio 2018
Section Counsel
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-5260
Fax: 614-644-1926
Gregg.Bachmann@OhioAGO.gov
Gregg has practiced in both the public and private sectors where he has extensive administrative and civil litigation, appellate, and regulatory experience. He first joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 1988, serving in the Executive Agencies Section for three years. Subsequently, Gregg spent eight years in the Court of Claims Defense Section, where he handled construction, commercial and other public contracts, regulatory litigation, employment, tort, wrongful death, and personal injury cases. After a seven year hiatus with Nationwide Insurance as regulatory counsel, Gregg rejoined the Office in the Environmental Enforcement Section in 2006. He has served EES as an AAG, Air Unit Supervisor, Assistant Chief, and is currently Section Counsel. Gregg has litigated and negotiated numerous air and water pollution cases, both civil and administrative and their appeals, and is routinely involved in the Section’s complex cases in state and federal courts, as well as working on comments and appeals of federal rulemaking by the U.S. EPA. Gregg performs onboarding legal training on a variety of topics for lawyers new to EES.
Before joining the Office, Gregg worked as legal intern for Heuking, Kuhn, Herold, Kunz in Dusseldorf, Germany. He also served as an Adjunct for Ohio State Moritz College of Law’s appellate brief writing program (two semesters).
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio, 1987
- U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Washburn University, J.D., 1987
- Miami University, B.A., M.A., 1982, 1984
NOTEWORTHY CASES
- State, ex rel. Ohio Atty. Gen. v. Shelly Holding Co., 135 Ohio St.3d 65, 2012-Ohio-5700
- Baum v. Ohio State Highway Patrol, 72 Ohio St. 3d 469 (1995)
- Chan v. Miami Univ., 73 Ohio St. 3d 52 (1995)
- Ofc. of Collective Bargaining v. OCSEA, 59 Ohio St. 3d 177 (1991)
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Member, Ohio State Bar Association, Environmental Law Committee
- Legal writing coach for new AAGs, 2020-2023
- AGO attorney mentorship program, 2018, 2023-24
- Faculty, Ohio Attorney General’s Professional Development Program, Deposition Workshop, 2008, 2023
- Primary author, EES Best Practices, 2018-present
- Panelist, Best Practices to Avoid Environmental Enforcement, MEC Symposium, 2019
- Panelist, Careers in Law, Miami University, 2018
- Presenter, Current Trends in Ohio Environmental Enforcement, Thompson Hine, 2016
- Presenter, Current Trends in Ohio Environmental Enforcement, MEC Symposium, 2016
- Coordinator and presenter, EES We Are Litigators Series, 2016-2017
- Presenter, EES Brownbag Series—Writing for Clarity and Conciseness; Litigation Speed Dating; Legal Writing; Emotional Intelligence; Famous Trials: Siege at Ruby Ridge, 2015
- Panelist, panel discussion of State, ex rel. Ohio Atty. Gen. v. Shelly Holding Co, Ohio State Bar Association Annual Environmental Law Seminar, 2013
- Panelist, Advanced Deposition Topics: Managing Difficult Personalities, 2010
- Member, Ohio Attorney General Professional Development Committee, 2007-2010
- Coordinator, EES Litigation Foundation Series—implemented an in-house comprehensive litigation training program, 2007
- Faculty, Ohio CLE Institute—Direct/Cross Examination, 1998 and 1999
- Panelist, Ohio AGO Investigator Training, 1998
- Panelist, Columbus Bar Association—Construction Law Seminar, 1996
- Author, Court of Claims Jurisdiction and Procedure Handbook, 1995
Senior Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-265-6804
Fax: 614-644-1926
Brian.Ball@OhioAGO.gov
Brian joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in June 2006. A member of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Unit since January 2013, Brian represents the Agency in mining and hydrocarbon-related matters.
Formerly, Brian represented the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in civil hazardous waste and surface water quality cases. In addition, he handled civil and criminal cases related to air quality compliance, cost recovery, open burning, solid waste, and underground storage tanks.
Prior to serving at the Office of the Attorney General, Brian was an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Wayne County, Ohio Prosecutor’s Office in Wooster, Ohio. There, Brian performed as counsel to elected officials, defended county agencies in civil matters, and appeared before administrative agencies in cases dealing with enforcement, permitting, and real property annexation issues. Brian also drafted county-wide storm water/sanitary sewer regulations, represented the county with landfill licensing matters, and prosecuted misdemeanor criminal cases in municipal court, including those involving violations of Board of Health code/township ordinances.
Prior to law school, Brian was a professional, licensed geologist providing environmental and geotechnical site investigations and consulting services for over 13 years in the southeastern United States.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Ohio Northern University College of Law, J.D., Order of Barristers, 2004
- University of Tennessee, B.A., Geological Sciences, 1987
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-2905
Fax: 614-644-1929
Nora.Baty@OhioAGO.gov
Nora joined the Ohio Attorney General’s office in 2022. She works in the Section’s Water Unit, representing Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Division of Surface Water and Division of Drinking and Groundwater in various administrative and civil litigation matters.
Prior to joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Nora attended the University of Michigan Law School, where she was an articles editor for the Michigan Journal of Environmental & Administrative Law (MJEAL). Previously, Nora studied Environmental Biology/Microbiology at Michigan State University, with a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- University of Michigan Law School J.D., 2022
- Michigan State University, B.S., 2019
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-5235
Fax: 614-644-1926
Anjelica.Blair@OhioAGO.gov
Anjelica joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2024. She works in the Section’s Water Unit, representing Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Division of Surface Water and Division of Drinking and Groundwater in various administrative and civil litigation matters.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Anjelica attended Case Western Reserve University School of Law, earning her J.D. with an Environmental Law Specialization. While in law school, she served as both an editor for the Case Western Reserve Law Review and a certified legal intern in the school’s environmental law clinic. She also completed several legal educational experiences, including externships with Justice R. Patrick DeWine of the Ohio Supreme Court, the Ohio Environmental Council, and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Previously, Anjelica studied Natural Resource Management at The Ohio State University while interning with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry.
BAR ADMISSIONS
EDUCATION
- Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2024
- Case Western Reserve Law Review: Senior Editor for Volume 74, Associate Editor for Volume 73.
- Publication - The Renewable Frontier: Improving Offshore Wind Development Within the Great Lakes Through Statutory Initiatives, 74 Case W.Res.L.Rev. 195 (2023).
- The Ohio State University, B.S., cum laude, 2021
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-3782
Fax: 614-644-1929
Nihal.Cevik@OhioAGO.gov
Nihal joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2023. She works in the Section’s Air Unit, representing Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Division of Air Pollution Control in various administrative and civil litigation matters.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Nihal served as an interim staff attorney for a judge at Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. She attended Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and Ankara University Faculty of Law in Turkey.
BAR ADMISSIONS
EDUCATION
- Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2022
- Ankara University Faculty of Law, LL.B., 2012
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-995-7990
Fax: 614-644-1926
Casey.Chapman@OhioAGO.gov
Casey joined the Attorney General’s Office in 2010. Her primary client is the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Casey counsels her clients on administrative and civil enforcement matters pertaining to Ohio’s surface water, drinking water, and air pollution control laws, and has represented Ohio agencies in state and federal court cases, administrative hearings, and appellate court proceedings. Casey’s appellate work has established important case precedent for government attorneys practicing environmental enforcement, and her trial work has won millions of dollars in civil penalties for the State of Ohio.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Casey clerked during law school at a mid-sized law firm focusing on civil litigation, products liability and personal injury. She also completed an internship as a federal law clerk for the Honorable Judge Gregory Frost of the Southern District of Ohio. In addition, Casey spent several years teaching citizenship classes and English classes to non-native speakers, and served as a mentor to college-bound foster children.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Capital University Law School, J.D. summa cum laude 2010
- Associate Editor of Capital University Law Review
- The Ohio State University, B.A., summa cum laude, 2007
PRESENTATIONS
- Temporary Restraining Orders and Preliminary injunctions
- Ohio Attorney General’s Office CLE, 2022
- Different Not Less: An Autism Awareness Event
- Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Caregivers Network, 2017
LEADERSHIP
- Chair of AGO Caregivers Network, (2015 through present)
- Planning Committee, Environmental Law Conference Committee, Ohio State Bar Association (2019-2021)
- Coach of Capital University Law School, Ohio AGO Public Service Mock Trial Competition (2019-present)
Associate Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-728-2856
Fax: 614-644-1926
Douglas.Curran@OhioAGO.gov
Doug is currently in his second stint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, having rejoined the Environmental Enforcement Section in 2024. Doug primarily represents the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in civil prosecutions and administrative appeals.
In his prior Attorney General service, Doug worked in the air unit of the section. He was directly involved in some high-profile litigation, including a successful constitutional defense of Ohio’s E-check vehicle emissions testing program.
Prior to first working at the Ohio AGO, Doug spent five years in private practice, where he specialized in personal injury and workers’ compensation litigation.
While away from the Ohio AGO, Doug pursued a second career in video production, working in the creative services departments of Columbus-area TV stations and media companies. Doug won an Emmy Award in 2014 for his contribution to local ads that aired during the Super Bowl.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Sixth and D.C. Circuits
- U.S. District Courts, Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Ohio State University, J.D.
- State University of New York at Buffalo, B.A.
PRESENTATIONS
- “Basic Air Pollution Law,” OSBA Environmental Law Seminar, various years
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 419-327-4492
Fax: 614-644-1926
Kenneth.Egbert@OhioAGO.gov
Ken joined the Attorney General’s Office in March 2009. As part of the Criminal Prosecution Unit of the Environmental Enforcement Section, he prosecutes various environmental crimes referred to the Ohio Attorney General from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Ohio Department of Health. Ken works closely with special agents of BCI’s Environmental Enforcement Unit, Ohio EPA investigators, and local law enforcement officers in the investigation of environmental criminal matters and represents the State of Ohio in prosecuting both felony and misdemeanor environmental cases in common pleas, municipal, and county courts throughout Ohio.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Ken served as an assistant and elected county prosecutor in Northwest Ohio for nearly 20 years, handling and supervising a diverse docket of felony criminal cases in two common pleas courts and criminal appeals. He also advised county and township officials on civil legal matters. In 2006, he completed the Career Prosecutor’s Course with the National College of District Attorneys Association, and on multiple occasions Ken has taught state prosecutors as an adjunct faculty member at the National Advocacy Center.
While working in the Environmental Enforcement Section, Ken has served as an attorney facilitator for law enforcement officers and regulatory personnel from various states in the Advanced Environmental Crimes Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He has presented to local law enforcement officers and prosecutors as part of the Ohio Attorney General's "Shine a Light on Dumpers" statewide initiative to crack down on illegal open dumping of solid waste. Ken also has served as an adjunct instructor of environmental law at Heidelberg University (2023-present) and business law at Tiffin University (2018-2020).
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- The University of Toledo College of Law, J.D., Peckinpaugh Scholarship Award, 1989
- UT College of Law Legal Clinic Prosecutor Intern, Perrysburg Municipal Court
- The Ohio State University, B.A. History, cum laude, and President’s Scholarship & Recognition Award, 1986
Senior Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-3801
Fax: 614-644-1926
Catherine.English@OhioAGO.gov
Catherine joined the Attorney General’s Office in 2017 and works in the Section’s Water Unit, representing Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Division of Surface Water and the Division of Drinking and Groundwater in various administrative and civil litigation matters. Prior to this role, she represented the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Livestock Environmental Permitting and the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Division of Soil and Water Conservation in civil litigation matters and administrative appeals. In addition to her casework, Catherine is a member of the office's Sunshine Law Task Force, providing counsel on Ohio's Public Records Act.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Catherine attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she was a member of the University of Cincinnati Law Review and the College of Law Trial Practice Team. In addition, Catherine studied Mathematics and Political Science at Youngstown State University.
BAR ADMISSION
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- University of Cincinnati, J.D., 2017
- Youngstown State University, B.A., 2014
PRESENTATIONS
- 2019 Environment, Energy, and Resources Case Law Update - Ohio State Bar Association: Columbus, Ohio 2019
- "Temporary Restraining Orders and Preliminary Injunctions" - Ohio Attorney General's Office, 2022
Associate Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-5290
Fax: 614-644-1926
Ian.Gaunt@OhioAGO.gov
Ian serves as a member of the Environmental Enforcement Section’s Hazardous Waste and Remedial Response Unit. Ian primarily represents the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in civil enforcement and CERCLA claims before state and federal courts, and represents the agency in administrative proceedings before the Environmental Review Appeals Commission.
Before joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Ian was in private practice at an environmental-litigation boutique in Washington, DC, where he worked on agency, trial court, and appellate litigation in federal courts across the country. While in law school, Ian served as a Judicial Intern to Judge Henry H. Kennedy, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- District of Columbia
- State of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Georgetown University Law Center, J.D. cum laude, 2011
- Kenyon College, A.B., 2008
LEADERSHIP AND RECENT PUBLICATIONS
- Ohio State Bar Foundation Fellow
- Columbus Bar Association Barrister Leadership Program
- Coach, OSU Moritz College of Law, Ohio Attorney General’s Public Service Mock Trial Program
- Volunteer Judge, OCLRE Mock Trial
- Law Fellow for Legal Practice, Georgetown University Law Center
- Contributing Author, Ohio Chapter, Groundwater Laws and Regulations (Texas A&M Univ. School of Law 2022)
- Can You or Can’t You? Contractions in Legal Writing (CBA Lawyers Quarterly, Summer 2018)
- Go with the Flow: Ohio Groundwater Rights (CBA Lawyers Quarterly, Spring 2018)
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Supervising Attorney, Criminal Prosecution Unit
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-5237
Fax: 614-644-1926
Amy.Geocaris@OhioAGO.gov
Amy joined the Ohio Attorney General’s office in 2021. She is the Supervisor of the Criminal Prosecution Unit in the Environmental Enforcement Section. She prosecutes various environmental crimes referred to the Ohio Attorney General from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Ohio Department of Health.
Prior to joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Amy worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Chicago, Illinois and as an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the City of Chicago Law Department.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Illinois
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Western Michigan University Cooley, J.D. cum laude, 2011
- Miami University, B.A., Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs, 2007
Associate Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-387-3390
Eythan.Gregory@OhioAGO.gov
Eythan joined the Environmental Enforcement Section in 2022. He works in the Section’s Water Unit, representing Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Division of Surface Water and Division of Drinking and Ground Water. Eythan litigates civil enforcement claims in state and federal courts, and administrative proceedings before the Environmental Review Appeals Commission.
Prior to joining the Environmental Enforcement Section, Eythan was an Assistant Attorney General in the Executive Agencies Section. During his time in Executive Agencies, he served as litigation counsel for multiple state agencies, practicing before administrative agencies and state courts. Eythan joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2019.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Sothern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Capital University Law School, J.D. 2019
- Miami University, B.A. (Political Science and History) 2013
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Supervising Attorney, Water Unit
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-8746
Fax: 614-644-1926
Amber.Hertlein@OhioAGO.gov
Amber joined the Environmental Enforcement Section in 2018. Currently, she is a Principal Assistant Attorney General and the Supervising Attorney for the Water Unit. Her primary client is the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Amber provides counsel to Ohio EPA on administrative and civil litigation related to Ohio’s surface water and drinking water laws. She provides counsel to Ohio EPA on administrative and civil matters and represents Ohio EPA in state and federal court, administrative hearings, and appellate court proceedings.
Amber began working for the Ohio Attorney General in 2012, serving in both the Court of Claims Defense Section and the Legal Initiatives Section. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Amber was an Assistant Prosecutor in Guernsey County.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- US Court of Federal Claims
- US District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- US District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Regent University School of Law, J.D., 2008
- Evangel University, B.A., Government and Public Administration, 2005
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Supervising Attorney, Bankruptcy & Post-Judgment Unit
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-752-9563
Fax: 614-644-1926
Michael.Idzkowski@OhioAGO.gov
Michael Idzkowski is the Supervising Attorney of the Section’s Bankruptcy & Post-Judgment Unit, which handles bankruptcy, foreclosure and collection cases involving environmental protection matters. His clients include the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture and State Fire Marshal (Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations). He has represented the State in U.S. Bankruptcy Court cases involving debtor corporations such as General Motors, Eastman Kodak, Westmoreland Coal, Maxus Energy, Patriot Coal and FirstEnergy Solutions. Mike is currently in his second stint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, having rejoined the Section in 2011.
In his prior Attorney General service, Mike worked in the Water, Air and Solid & Infectious Waste units of the Section and was the Solid & Infectious Waste Unit Supervising Attorney. Mike served as Ohio’s lead counsel in State v. New Boston Coke Corp., State v. Kirby’s Tire Recycling, Inc. and State v. Mercomp, Inc., which each resulted in multimillion-dollar judgments for the State.
Over the course of his time with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Mike has represented his client agencies in Ohio’s Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Ninth Appellate Districts. He has also handled Power Siting Board cases and served as the Ohio Attorney General’s representative on the State Emergency Response Commission.
While away from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Mike was a Staff Attorney with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and an Assistant Consumers’ Counsel with the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel. As an Assistant Consumers’ Counsel, Mike practiced before the Ohio Public Utilities Commission and the Ohio Supreme Court.
Prior to entering the field of law, Mike worked in banking and business management.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Capital University Law School, J.D.
- Western Michigan University, B.B.A.
PRESENTATIONS
- Presenter, “The Intersection of Environmental and Bankruptcy Law,” Columbus Bar Association, Environmental Committee, 2013
- Presenter, “Interactive Evidence Session,” National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG)/National Attorneys General Training & Research Institute (NAGTRI), Bankruptcy from a Government Perspective Seminar, 2018
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-5236
Fax: 614-644-1926
Fahimeh.Kennedy@OhioAGO.gov
Fahimeh joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2023. Her primary client is the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Fahimeh served as a Judge Advocate in the US Army.
BAR ADMISSIONS
EDUCATION
- Wiiliam & Mary, J.D., 2015
- Virginia Commonwealth University, B.A., 2011
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-5236
Fax: 614-644-1926
Fahimeh.Kennedy@OhioAGO.gov
Fahimeh joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2023. Her primary client is the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Fahimeh served as a Judge Advocate in the US Army.
BAR ADMISSIONS
EDUCATION
- Wiiliam & Mary, J.D., 2015
- Virginia Commonwealth University, B.A., 2011
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Supervising Attorney, Hazardous Waste Unit and Remedial Response Unit
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-5261
Fax: 614-644-1926
Timothy.Kern@OhioAGO.gov
Tim joined the Attorney General's Office in August 1986 and is the supervisor of the Section’s Hazardous Waste Unit and the Remedial Response Unit. His clients include the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), and the State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Underground Storage Regulations (BUSTR).
In his time with the Section, Tim has litigated air pollution, water pollution, drinking water, hazardous waste, solid waste, BUSTR, SERC, and bankruptcy cases, and previously served the Section as supervisor of the BUSTR Unit and the Bankruptcy Unit.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. Supreme Court
EDUCATION
- Xavier University, B.S.
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D.
PRESENTATIONS
- Presentations on environmental bankruptcy issues, natural resource damages, and CERCLA case law
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-728-5272
Matthew.Kline@OhioAGO.gov
Matt joined the Ohio Attorney General's Office in 2024. He works in the Section's Solid Waste Unit, representing the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Commerce's Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations (BUSTR) in various administrative and civil litigation matters.
Prior to joining the Attorney General's Office, Matt worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Racine County, Wisconsin and as an Assistant State Public Defender with the Wisconsin State Public Defender's Milwaukee Trial Office. He attended the Ohio State University and Miami University (OH).
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- State of Wisconsin
EDUCATION
- Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2021
- Ohio State University Glenn College of Public Affairs, M.A., 2021
- Miami University, B.A., 2018
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Supervising Attorney, ODNR Unit
Office: 614-466-2766
Brett.Kravitz@OhioAGO.gov
Brett Kravitz rejoined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2014, and has over 20 years of litigation experience, primarily in the areas of environmental and natural resources law. He was the Supervising Attorney for Oil and Gas Litigation and is currently the Supervising Attorney for the entire ODNR Unit. He supervises, litigates, and negotiates administrative appeals and court cases on behalf of the various Divisions of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Prior to 2014, Mr. Kravitz was the principal attorney for Kravitz Law Office, LLC in Columbus, Ohio, and an associate attorney for an environmental law firm in Cincinnati, Ohio. In his first stint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Brett represented the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and served as the supervisor of the Environmental Enforcement Section’s Solid Waste & Infectious Waste Unit.
Brett has been a frequent presenter on environmental, natural resources, and toxic tort-related topics for several organizations, including the Ohio State Bar Association, Regional Environmental Enforcement Association, National Business Institute, Halfmoon Education, and the Conference of Government Mining Attorneys. He has been a member of the Ohio Attorney General’s Professional Development Program Committee and a presenter for CLE programming. Brett was also an adjunct professor at Franklin University.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Supervising Attorney, Hazardous Waste and Remedial Response Unit
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-644-9776
Fax: 614-644-1926
Karrie.Kunkel@OhioAGO.gov
Karrie joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2017. She is a member of the Environmental Enforcement Section’s Hazardous Waste and Remedial Response Unit, where she serves as the unit supervisor. In addition to supervisory duties, Karrie litigates cases involving Ohio’s RCRA-based hazardous waste laws and rules, CERCLA, and the Oil Pollution Act. She also represents Ohio EPA in state and federal court at the trial and appellate level and before the Environmental Review Appeals Commission.
Prior to joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Karrie worked as an Associate Attorney in the Delaware, Ohio law firm Manos, Martin & Pergram, and as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office.
BAR ADMISSION
- State of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Ohio Northern University, J.D., 2012
- Indiana State University, B.S., 2009
PRESENTATIONS
- Advanced Discovery: Writing the Right Discovery
- Ohio Attorney General’s Office, 2024
- Don’t Be Defiant, Stay Compliant! A Discussion of Enforcement Trends for the Hazardous Waste Community
- Ohio State Bar Association, 2023
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Supervising Attorney, Air Unit
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-644-9149
Fax: 614-644-1926
Jack.McManus@OhioAGO.gov
Jack has twenty years of service with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. He has served as the Chief of the Taxation Section and the supervisor for the hazardous waste, air and bankruptcy programs in the Environmental Enforcement Section. In addition, Jack was the chief of the Agriculture and Environment Division in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and Deputy City Counselor for the City of Columbia, Missouri and Assistant Disciplinary Counsel for the Ohio Supreme Court Office of Disciplinary Counsel. His litigation experience includes appearances before the Ohio and Missouri Supreme Courts, state and federal appellate and trial courts and a wide range of boards and commissions.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- State of Missouri (inactive)
- U.S. District Courts, Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri
- U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Eighth, and D.C. Circuits
EDUCATION
- Cleveland State University College of Law, J.D.
- Case Western Reserve University, B.A.
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-294-9984
Fax: 614-644-1926
Mark.Navarre@OhioAGO.gov
Mark joined the Attorney General’s Office in October 2020. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Mark served as a staff attorney, supervising attorney and acting deputy director at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (1990-2016), providing general legal counsel and administrative enforcement representation for Ohio EPA, including the hazardous waste management, solid waste management and remedial response divisions.
Mark has also served as assistant or adjunct law professor at Capital University (2012, 2018-2023), Ohio State University (1992-1995), Pepperdine University (1986-1990), and the University of Toledo (1982-1985). He served as attorney-advisor for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration in Seattle, Washington (1985-1986). In addition, Mark practiced law in Toledo, Ohio (1982-1985) and served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Ottawa County, Ohio (1981).
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio, 1980
- State of Michigan, 1983
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, 1983
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, 2020
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2022
EDUCATION
- University of Washington School of Law, LL.M., 1986
- University of Toledo College of Law, J.D., 1980
- University of Notre Dame, B.B.A., 1976
Associate Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-265-6870
Direct: 614-265-6871
Fax: 614-268-8871
Gene.Park@OhioAGO.gov
Gene joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2017. Gene works in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Unit and primarily handles cases involving ODNR’s Oil and Gas Division and the Mineral Resources Division.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- University of Buffalo, B.S., 2004
- Ohio State University, J.D., 2007
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-644-1402
Fax: 614-644-1926
Kevin.Porter@OhioAGO.gov
Kevin joined the Attorney General’s Office in 2023. As part of the Criminal Prosecution Unit of the Environmental Enforcement Section, he prosecutes various environmental crimes referred to the Ohio Attorney General from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Ohio Department of Health. He also represents the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in civil litigation and administrative appeals. Prior to joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Kevin worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami, Florida where he served as the Assistant Chief of County Court.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Florida
- State of Ohio
EDUCATION
- The Florida State University College of Law, J.D., 2020
- University of Florida, B.S., cum laude, 2017
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Supervising Attorney, Solid Waste and BUSTR Unit
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 216-777-8046
Fax: 614-644-1926
Cameron.Simmons@OhioAGO.gov
Cameron joined the Environmental Enforcement Section in April 2012, and is currently the supervisor of the section’s solid waste and underground storage tank units. Cameron represents agency clients in civil litigation and administrative proceedings. Cameron previously worked in the section’s air unit where, in addition to civil and administrative cases, he assisted in the drafting and preparation of formal comments in response to proposed federal rulemakings.
Prior to joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Cameron served as a judicial attorney at Ohio’s Eleventh District Court of Appeals in Warren, Ohio.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- George Washington University, LL.M. in Environmental Law (2011)
- University of Toledo School of Law, J.D. (2001)
- Bowling Green State University, B.A. (1997)
Associate Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-5279
Fax: 866-483-1104
Morgan.Staric@OhioAGO.gov
Morgan joined the Attorney General’s Office in 2022. She works in the Section’s Water Unit, representing Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Division of Surface Water and Division of Drinking and Groundwater in various administrative and civil litigation matters.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Morgan was an associate attorney for an environmental law firm in Cincinnati, Ohio and a legal fellow for Earthrise Law Center—Lewis & Clark Law School’s environmental legal clinic. She also completed an internship with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Legal Services.
Morgan is originally from Columbus, Ohio.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- State of Oregon
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- U.S. District Court, Oregon
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Lewis & Clark Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2018
- Environment and Natural Resources Law Certificate
- Ohio State University, B.S., magna cum laude, 2014
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-644-1921
Fax: 614-644-1926
Morgan.Trivunic@OhioAGO.gov
Morgan joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2022. She divides her time between the Environmental Enforcement Section’s Hazardous Waste and Remedial Response Unit and the Agriculture Unit. Morgan’s primary clients are the Ohio Environmental Protection agency and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. She litigates on behalf of Ohio EPA and ODA in state court, federal court, and administrative hearings. Additionally, Morgan serves as counsel for the State Emergency Response Commission.
Before joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Morgan attended Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and Ohio State College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a minor in Business.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2019
- Ohio State University, B.S., 2016
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-644-1923
Fax: 614-644-1926
Elizabeth.VanNess@OhioAGO.gov
Eliza joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2024. She works in the Environmental Enforcement Section’s Water Unit and Agriculture Unit, as well as the ODNR Unit. Eliza’s primary clients are the Ohio Environmental Protection agency, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. She litigates on behalf of Ohio EPA, ODA, and ODNR in state court, federal court, and administrative hearings.
Before joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Eliza attended Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and Denison University.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2022
- Denison University, B.A., 2017
Senior Assistant Attorney General
Office: (614) 466-2766
Fax: (866) 594-1594
Allen.Vender@OhioAGO.gov
Allen joined the Attorney General’s office in 2019. He primarily represents the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Division of Materials and Waste Management and the State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations. In this role, Allen primarily enforces solid waste, construction and demolition debris, and underground storage tank laws.
Prior to joining the office, Allen worked as an assistant state public defender with the Office of the Ohio Public Defender between 2011 and 2019. In that role Allen represented indigent defendants in the Ohio Supreme Court, Ohio courts of appeals, Ohio trial courts, and federal courts. Allen has also worked as a contract attorney with Jones Day in Cleveland, Ohio.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 2010
- Ohio State University, B.A., 2006
Senior Assistant Attorney General
Supervising Attorney, Hazardous Waste and Remedial Response Unit
Office: (614) 466-2766
Direct: (614) 466-5233
Fax: (614) 644-1926
Katherine.Walker@OhioAGO.gov
Katherine "Katie" joined the Environmental Enforcement Section in 2019. She is a member of the Environmental Enforcement Section’s Hazardous Waste and Remedial Response Unit where she serves as Unit Supervisor. In addition to supervisory duties, Katie litigates cases involving Ohio’s RCRA-based hazardous waste laws and rules, CERCLA, and the Oil Pollution Act. She also represents Ohio EPA in state and federal court at the trial and appellate level and before the Environmental Review Appeals Commission.
Previously, Katie was a member of the Section’s Water Unit. Her primary client was the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency but she also provided counsel to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Katie provided counsel to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on administrative and civil litigation primarily related to Ohio’s surface water and drinking water laws. Katie also served as counsel of record for the Ohio Lake Erie Commission and the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Katie served as a Law Clerk and then Staff Attorney for the late Honorable Judge Nick Kuntz in Montgomery County Juvenile Court. She also previously practiced at Poling in the areas of medical malpractice defense and workers’ compensation.
Katie is originally from Columbus, Ohio.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- University of Dayton School of Law, J.D. 2015
- Franklin University, M.B.A., 2009
- The Ohio State University, B.S., Psychology, 2003
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-466-8703
Fax: 614-644-1926
Joe.Wambaugh@OhioAGO.gov
Joe joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2022. He primarily represents the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in civil litigation and administrative appeals. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Joe served as a staff attorney for three years for Judge Candace Crouse of the Ohio First District Court of Appeals. Joe also served as a member of the Ohio Army National Guard for ten years before resigning his commission in 2020.
BAR ADMISSIONS
EDUCATION
- University of Cincinnati, J.D., cum laude, 2018
- University of Cincinnati, B.S., cum laude, 2013
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-728-5050
Fax: 614-644-1926
Robert.Yaptangco@OhioAGO.gov
Robert Yaptangco is an assistant attorney general in the Environmental Enforcement Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Since August 2023, he has served primarily in the Air Unit and litigated on behalf of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Division of Air Pollution Control (“DAPC”) in state and federal courts and handled administrative appeals involving DAPC before the Environmental Review Appeals Commission; conducted research and produced memoranda on matters pertaining to air pollution control laws for DAPC; and worked on legislative and rules-related questions and interpretations for DPAC. He also assisted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Unit with litigation and responded to public records requests for the Environmental Enforcement Section.
Previously, Robert served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Civil Division of the Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office from September 2017 to September 2018, as an assistant attorney general in the Antitrust Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office from September 2018 to March 2023, and as a staff attorney in the General Division of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas from March 2023 to August 2023.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio
- Supreme Court of the United States
- United State Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2017
- Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law, Chief Managing Editor for Volume 14 (2016–2017), Staff Editor for Volume 13 (2015–2016)
- The Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs, M.A., Public Policy and Management, 2017
- The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences, B.A., magna cum laude, Political Science, 2012
Assistant Attorney General
Office: 614-466-2766
Direct: 614-644-9776
Fax: 614-644-1926
Hallie.Zarbakhsh@OhioAGO.gov
BAR ADMISSIONS
EDUCATION