Adams County appoints interim prosecutor after Prosecutor Aaron Haslam resigns

Prosecuting Attorney Aaron Haslam submitted his written resignation effective April 16, 2026, at 12:51 p.m., the Adams County Board of Commissioners heard during an emergency session on April 16.

President Kelly Jones said the board met at the Government Center with Commissioners Jason Hayslip and Barbara Moore Holt (who attended by phone). Clerk Marla May confirmed receipt of Haslam’s resignation. Haslam told the board his departure left Prosecutor’s Office employees’ oaths of office invalid, and he urged the commissioners to appoint a temporary prosecutor to protect ongoing county court cases and to cover the day’s docket and two township meetings.

Commissioner Kelly Jones asked about the statutory time frame for an interim appointment. Prosecuting Attorney Aaron Haslam said the statute provides a 5- to 45-day interim period, after which the county Republican central committee would nominate a successor and the seat would appear on the fall ballot. Commissioner Jason Hayslip inquired about current staff capacity in the Prosecutor’s Office.

After a closed executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(1) to discuss personnel matters, the board reconvened. Commissioner Jason Hayslip moved and Commissioner Kelly Jones seconded a resolution to appoint Assistant Prosecutor Ariana Bowles Norris as interim Adams County Prosecutor immediately. Ms. Bowles Norris summarized her education and work experience and said she understands the appointment is temporary and that she may run in the election. The board recorded the roll call: Jones, aye; Moore Holt, abstain; Hayslip, aye. The motion to appoint Ms. Bowles Norris passed (Resolution No. 2026-143).

The board then moved to adjourn. The emergency appointment is effective immediately to maintain operations; the transcript notes that the Republican central committee and the fall ballot process remain the next steps for filling the office on a longer term.