CINCINNATI — A supervisor at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office is set to appear in court Friday following allegations of domestic violence, including severe physical assault against a woman he lives with.
Samuel L. Saxon, 47, of Corryville, was taken into custody by Cincinnati police last week and now faces multiple charges, including felonious assault, strangulation, and domestic violence. A grand jury in Hamilton County later indicted him on these charges, along with an additional count of strangulation and another for assault.
At his first court appearance, Saxon entered a plea of not guilty. His attorney has not provided commentary on the case despite requests for a statement.
Officials from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not offered any details regarding Saxon’s employment status or title, despite numerous inquiries. Confusion has emerged surrounding his exact role within the agency, particularly given its increased enforcement actions in recent years. Initially identified simply as an ICE agent, prosecutors later clarified that Saxon serves as the Assistant Field Office Director for the Cincinnati Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) suboffice.
Saxon was recognized with a service medal by the Department of Homeland Security in 2016 for excellence in leadership and service, an accolade that stands in stark contrast to the serious charges he now faces.
Witnesses to the incident described a violent confrontation between Saxon and the victim, which was partially recorded. According to prosecutors, a neighbor reported hearing screams coming from the apartment complex on Eden Avenue, and upon investigation, observed Saxon pulling the victim in a chokehold. Further evidence corroborated the victim’s account, as police noted significant marks on her neck and other visible injuries when they arrived on the scene.
Authorities revealed that this incident was not an isolated event; police had responded to 22 calls to the residence over the past year and a half. As a result, prosecutors sought a protection order to ensure the victim’s safety, which was granted through the court.
At Saxon’s arraignment, a judge set his bail for the choking and domestic violence charges, but prosecutors requested that he be held without bail on the more severe felonious assault charge. As a result, Saxon remains in custody, unable to make bail.
In related developments, police records indicated that just days prior to the alleged attack, the victim had previously sought help from the Blue Ash Police Department, expressing concern over her safety regarding Saxon. Reports show she had visible injuries including bruising and ligature marks, but declined medical help at that time.
The court’s proceedings are ongoing, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Saxon’s actions. The matter has raised broader questions about the conduct of officials within ICE and their accountability in domestic situations.