**Ohio Court Refers Case Against Trump and Vance to Prosecutors, Citing Lack of Probable Cause**

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — The Clark County municipal court has forwarded a criminal case against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his vice-presidential running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, to local prosecutors for further investigation. This referral comes after a citizens' group accused the duo of making inflammatory statements about Haitian immigrants. However, the court has declined to issue arrest warrants or misdemeanor summons, citing insufficient probable cause.

In a statement released on Saturday, Springfield officials confirmed that the court decided against issuing any warrants or summons related to the misdemeanor charges. The decision was based on legal guidelines, particularly emphasizing "the strong constitutional protections afforded to speech, and political speech in particular," considering the proximity of the election and the contentious nature of immigration issues.

The case originated from the Haitian Bridge Alliance, a nonprofit representing the Haitian community, which invoked a private-citizen right to file charges. The group alleges that Trump’s false claims about Haitian immigrants, made during a presidential debate, have led to chaos and credible threats against the community.

Springfield has seen an influx of 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants over the past few years, many of whom were recruited for local jobs. These immigrants have been granted "temporary protected status," allowing them to reside in the U.S. legally. Springfield city officials stressed the importance of creating a truthful and respectful dialogue about sensitive issues like immigration.

The city reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency and addressing community concerns effectively. "The safety and well-being of all residents, including the Haitian immigrant community, continue to be our highest priority," stated Springfield officials, emphasizing their dedication to fostering constructive discussions on these pressing issues.