U.S. CONGRESSMAN BILL JOHNSON Proudly Representing Eastern and Southeastern Ohio

Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement after Claudia Hoerig was extradited back to Northeast Ohio from Brazil:

It is a great day for justice as Claudia Hoerig is back in the United States, and is currently being held on an aggravated murder charge in the death of her husband, US Air Force Major Karl Hoerig. It has been 11 years since a warrant was issued for her arrest and she fled to Brazil.

First and foremost, I’m extremely happy for Karl’s family. They have been through an ordeal that no family should suffer. I cannot imagine the pain and anguish they have been through. This day was a long time in the making. Many people, such as Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins, Rep. Tim Ryan, former Rep. John Boccieri, local, state, and national law enforcement, and of course, the Hoerig Family, never gave up in their quest. This milestone is also a testament to the resiliency of the US Air Force family, the men who served with Karl, who never gave up their quest for justice for their brother; and, I’m happy to have played a role in this successful outcome since I was first elected. Persistently, many in the Mahoning Valley have fought for justice for Karl and the Hoerig Family. Now, prosecutors will have their chance to try the case, and Claudia Hoerig will finally stand trial for the heinous crime she is accused of.