Fairfield Union graduate Jenny Wells excited for role as Licking County's first female prosecutor

As Licking County's first female prosecutor, Jenny Wells hopes to inspire young girls in the community.

But she also wants them to know she earned and worked toward the position, regardless of her gender.

The Republican Central Committee recently voted unanimously in support of naming Wells as Licking County's next prosecutor after former prosecutor Bill Hayes retired mid-term in October. Wells' term will end in 2024 and she's indicated she intends to run for election.

A graduate of Fairfield Union High School in Fairfield County, Wells went on to receive a degree in political science from Ohio University, then her law degree from Capital University.

"I knew that I wanted to engage in a professional career that was going to help people so that's what it started as," she said during a recent interview with The Advocate. She spent the first six months working at a Columbus law firm before deciding to leave that court system in hopes of developing her trial skills.

She started at the Licking County Prosecutor's Office as an assistant prosecutor in the felony division under then-prosecutor Robert Becker in November 1998. It was also around that time, Wells said she met her husband, Doug Wells, currently a police sergeant at Newark Division of Police. She spent five years at the agency before spending 11 years in private practice, handling child custody cases, adoptions, divorces, and more.

In 2016, Wells said Hayes asked her to consider returning to the Licking County Prosecutor's Office. Since then, she's worked as chief prosecutor of the juvenile division and first assistant prosecutor which meant taking over serious felony cases.

"This is the best job I've ever had in terms of job satisfaction. I feel like I've done something good to help my community. Some days are very frustrating days. Some days are very soul-draining, if that's the way to put it. We see the worst of what people do to other people...," Wells said. "I think at the end of the day, I feel like I'm part of...try to make things better. And that's what I love about this job, helping victims have their day in court, seek justice. I can't always make them whole obviously. I can't fix what was wrong, but I think for many, many people, it is them knowing someone's willing to fight for them and to stand up and make sure their voice is heard."

Addressing a question about what it means to be named the first female prosecutor in Licking County, Wells said she works very hard every day to be the best attorney she can be, regardless of her gender. She said she feels she's earned her place and reputation because of her hard work and dedication.

In her early days in the courtroom, Wells said she was often called honey, darling, and other pet names. She believes people didn't believe she should be there because she's a woman.

"I earned my spot and I think right now, being the first female prosecutor in Licking County, is for me, an achievement of a goal. But also, I love being a role model for young ladies out there. My daughter is 17. She's a senior in high school and all her friends, the way that they look up to me, I love that. That they know they can achieve this. It's something they can do if they want to and work hard for it," Wells said.

Licking County Director of Victim Services Mark Weiner has worked in his current position nearly 30 years and said it's been an honor to work alongside Wells as she's moved up in her career. He said they've worked on hundreds of cases together.

"The passion she brings to cases is amazing. She's willing to meet victims where they are, and ensure their dignity and respect. She has a sincere approach to each case, which puts them at ease," Weiner said. "Her friendly personality empowers victims to believe in themselves."

Weiner said he believes Wells will do an excellent job as the county's prosecutor, describing her as a dedicated public servant who knows her cases in depth, enabling her to better assist crime victims in the court system.

Newark Police Detective Steve Vanoy was hired to the division in 1995 and estimated he started working with Wells in the late 1990's. Vanoy said he's had a great working relationship with Wells and they worked together on sexual abuse cases, along with homicide cases.

"She was very deserving of getting that post. She's an extremely hard worker," Vanoy said. "I think Jenny is a very approachable person. I would say you may not always agree with one another. Personally, there are things the two of us haven't agreed on, but we have a mutual respect for each other."

Describing Wells as approachable, honest and intellectually gifted when it comes to criminal law, Vanoy said he thinks Wells is more than qualified to be the Licking County prosecutor.

Looking ahead to her goals as prosecutor, Wells said her first priority is recruiting. She said she recently hired two felony prosecutors and a juvenile prosecutor, leaving her with openings for a felony and a civil prosecutor. The prosecutor said she wants to make sure her office is prepared for the increase in violent crime, as they've seen over the last four years.

Wells added the civil division has a lot going on with Intel coming into the area, along with working with the county and its townships.

During her tenure, Wells said she hopes to build upon the Licking County Regional Crime Lab and acquire a forensic analyst for cell phones.

"So much evidence can be obtained from cell phones. Having our own (forensic anaylist) would be amazing," Wells said, explaining the county currently receives those services from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which can take some time due to their case log.

Wells also hopes to get into the community, give their office a presence in schools and educate children, along with the elderly, about ways they can protect themselves from becoming victims. She also intends on working on the agency's image in the community and continuing ongoing training with area law enforcement to help teach them what their office needs to prosecute cases.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Jenny Wells becomes Licking County's first female prosecutor