On Thursday, November 13, 2025, Troy Lee Keith, Sr. filed an application for a writ of mandamus with the Ohio Supreme Court to compel Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge J. Gregory Howard to provide access to public records related to a criminal investigation.

Keith, an incarcerated person representing himself, seeks records concerning K.T. Property Management and Pro-Team Property Management, including information related to himself as Branch Manager and Paul Rick Hairston, the owner of both operations.

Keith’s initial request for these records was submitted to Judge Howard on or about October 31, 2023, citing Ohio Revised Code 149.43(B)(8). On January 5, 2024, Judge Howard issued a partial order granting Keith access only to records held by the Franklin County Prosecutor’s office pertaining to Case No. 09-CR-3511, State of Ohio v. Paul R. Hairston, Jr. Keith is now seeking a corrected order that includes records from Springdale Police, Cincinnati Police, Butler County Sheriff’s office, Columbus Police, Franklin County Sheriff, and the Ohio Attorney General’s office.

Keith argues that the continued denial of access to these records infringes upon his rights to due process and equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and that it allows agencies to destroy material evidence. He asserts that these agencies executed search warrants related to his work address, personal residence, and other material facts involving Columbus and Cincinnati witnesses.

According to the filing, Keith believes that Judge Howard has exhibited bias against him, referencing a prior Affidavit of Disqualification filed by Keith. Keith contends that a January 5, 2024, order has been ignored by the Franklin County Prosecutor’s office, and he has requested contempt of court against them, along with the pending request for correction of the original public record request order.

The filing also notes that Keith obtained information via the Freedom of Information Act from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service regarding their participation in the 2004 investigation of Keith and his employer. He claims that certain portions of this report are redacted as it relates to Mr. Hairston personally.

Keith states that he has been seeking the truth surrounding his prosecution and alleges suppressed evidence. He claims that there was an intentional effort to infringe upon his right to a fair trial. He argues that the requested public records will support his claim that the listed agencies sought and executed search warrants related to his work and residence.

Keith lists several prior legal actions he has filed, including a Post-Conviction Relief Petition, Original Actions in Procedendo and Mandamus, and the Affidavit of Disqualification of Judge Howard.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.