WCPO meteorologist Steve Raleigh acquitted after parking incident, case goes to grand jury

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – WCPO meteorologist Steve Raleigh will not face charges in connection with an incident that left two people hospitalized in June.

On June 22, police were called to the Montgomery Inn boathouse because a minor accident had turned into a fight involving one of Raleigh's sons and a family from Covington.

They said Raleigh, who was not in the car at the time of the accident, tried to convince the family not to involve police. When they insisted on calling police, the situation spiraled out of control.

The Morrow family said Raleigh's adult son, who was not driving the car, hit and choked their adult son.

The elderly parents were apparently involved in the incident. Both were injured. Parts of the incident were recorded by the family.

Steve Raleigh is the son-in-law of Simon Leis. Leis is a former sheriff, prosecutor and judge of Hamilton County. For this reason, a special prosecutor from Clermont County was assigned to investigate the incident.

Clermont County Attorney Mark Tekulve said there was no evidence that Steve Raleigh broke any laws.

Both Raleigh and WCO issued statements.

Statement by Steve Raleigh, Chief Meteorologist – WCPO 9

“I was informed of the special prosecutors' decision today. I am grateful for the confirmation of my involvement. I want to thank my family, friends, colleagues and viewers for their patience and support. I look forward to returning to work soon. I have missed serving the people of this great city. As this now goes to the Hamilton County Grand Jury, I will refrain from further comment at this time.”

Statement from Jeff Brogan, Vice President and General Manager – WCPO 9

“The official findings regarding Steve's involvement announced today are consistent with what he has told us about the incident from the beginning. Steve will soon return to WCPO 9 as our chief meteorologist. Our responsibility as Steve's employer was to await investigators' final determination of his role in the incident. Our responsibility as a news organization was and will be to report on the incident fairly and impartially, and we remain committed to doing so.”

A grand jury will hear evidence from others involved in the incident to decide whether to charge them.