An Ohio political blogger known as “The Rooster” was convicted Friday of telecommunications harassment after texting Republican State Sen. Jerry Cirino an explicit, digitally altered image of Shrek.
A Lake County jury deliberated for about 30 minutes before finding D.J. Byrnes guilty on October 9, 2026, in Willoughby Municipal Court. Visiting Judge Michael Cicconetti sentenced the 39-year-old Columbus resident to a $200 fine plus court costs. He faced up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine but received no jail time.
Byrnes runs the political Substack The Rooster, known for confrontational coverage of Ohio lawmakers. He has built a large following through videos and commentary that often targets powerful figures at the Statehouse. Cirino, a Republican from Kirtland who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, had recently withdrawn from the race for Ohio Senate president.
On May 6, 2026, shortly after Cirino dropped out of the leadership race, Byrnes sent him messages that included a digitally altered image of Shrek depicted nude with exposed genitals. One text read:
“Good to see you finally made your humiliation public, Young Mussolini! THE PATRIOTS CAUCUS sends its regards!!!!!!!!!!”
A follow-up identified Byrnes and claimed credit for earlier reporting:
“It’s your old friend who correctly reported you quit like a dog in December! Should have read The Rooster brother…”
Cirino replied:
“I don’t know who this is but I am certain you are a moron.”
Two days later Cirino emailed Kirtland police describing the messages as harassing and “pornographic.” He later called the image “offensive” and said it was his “last straw.” Byrnes was arrested June 1 at the Ohio Statehouse and spent roughly 23 hours in custody.
Byrnes pleaded not guilty and argued the messages were protected political speech under the First Amendment directed at a public official. Prosecutors said the unsolicited explicit image showed intent to harass under Ohio Revised Code § 2917.21. The jury rejected the free-speech defense.
After the verdict Cirino said:
“This wasn’t a free speech issue; this was a harassment statute that I believed he was in violation of.”
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression had earlier raised concerns that crude criticism of officials generally receives strong constitutional protection. Reports indicate Byrnes plans to appeal.
It brings out the fine line between a harsh political insult and harassment in cases where an explicit image is sent unsolicited to a legislator’s cell phone. This does not imply that all abusive memes are against the law, but it brings out the reach of Ohio’s Telecommunications Harassment Act through electronic messages.
