Stephens served as an assistant county prosecutor for Butler County since 1997. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business finance from Miami University in 1991 and his juris doctorate from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1995. Stephens served as a special assistant United States attorney from February 2012 to November 2013, and is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Butler County Bar Association and the National District Attorney’s Association, the governor’s office stated.
Following his appointment, Stephens must run in the November general election to retain the seat for a full term that begins Jan. 2, 2017.
Stephens' appointment came the same day Oney was honored at a reception. Oney was elected in 1998 as the county's first woman common pleas general trial judge. The 73-year-old who retired last month was not able to run for her fourth six-year term due to age limitations. Ohio law prevents election to a judgeship after age 70.