Some attorneys not usually seen in Hamilton County Criminal Court were there on Friday morning when 54 alleged gang members were arraigned on racketeering charges.
The defendants were all indicted at the same time under a relatively new state law that allows district attorneys to go after "criminal enterprises."
Some of the alleged members of the Athens Park Bloods gang were out on bond and came to court for the hearing before Judge Tom Greenholtz.
Others were arraigned remotely through a camera and screen system from the County Jail and Workhouse.
Only a few of the defendants said they wanted to hire their own lawyers and were able to do so.
Normally, the Public Defenders Office handles cases for indigent defendants. However, it usually does not handle more than one defendant in a specific case.
Among attorneys enlisted by Judge Greenholtz were lawyers from as far away as Marion County as well as local attorneys who mainly have civil practices.
Judge Greenholtz said the next court date would be July 30.
Attorneys are expected to file motions to try to throw out the use of the new law.
There was heavy security in the courtroom and those entering had to undergo a screening outside the courtroom in addition to a prior screening at the front door of the courts building.
Several of the defendants are charged with various murders. The indictment in the case does not give any specific information about the charges involving the slaying of Bianca Horton and other killings said to be gang related.