New Philadelphia, Ohio (WJER) - The newest addition to the New Philadelphia Municipal Court system is introducing herself to the community. 

The prosecutor’s office has chosen Debbie Lebold to become their first victim’s advocate through a grant from the Ohio attorney general’s office. Lebold says she looks forward to working with residents to help them navigate the legal process.
 
“[It’s] making sure that victims have the opportunity to be made aware of court hearings. They’re kept updated on everything about the status of their case,” she says. “They can attend every hearing. They have the right to be there, make an impact statement, and just make sure that they are cared for as far as information, emotional support and any kind of resources.’

Lebold says she’s spent her entire career in the court system, before becoming a victim advocate in Summit County under the same grant that is funding her position in New Phila.

“I have a vast amount of experience. I started my career with working with domestic violence in Maryland many years ago. I worked in the common pleas court there helping people get protective orders,” she says. 

Lebold grew up in Carrollton and is a 1989 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. She officially began her new role last month.

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