CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Andy Anastasi, Chillicothe’s full-time Assistant Law Director, has announced his candidacy for Chillicothe Law Director.
Anastasi announced his campaign in a public statement, citing his years of courtroom experience, public service and work in both criminal defense and prosecution.
Before becoming an attorney, Anastasi worked as a probation officer and paralegal. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Xavier University before graduating from the University of Dayton School of Law in 2011 and passing the Ohio Bar Examination that same year.
Early in his legal career, Anastasi co-founded McClain Anastasi LLC and practiced primarily in criminal defense and juvenile matters throughout Ohio. In 2016, he briefly served in the Dayton City Prosecutor’s Office before returning to private practice. He also taught courses at Sinclair Community College.
In 2018, Anastasi joined the Office of the Ohio Public Defender, where he represented individuals in parole proceedings, handled post-release control violations and advised incarcerated individuals on criminal legal matters. He later served in a supervisory role from 2021 to 2022.
Anastasi eventually transferred to the Ross County Branch of the Ohio Public Defender and said he developed an appreciation for Chillicothe while initially commuting from the Columbus area. In 2024, Anastasi and his wife purchased a home in Chillicothe.
In February 2025, Anastasi joined the City of Chillicothe Law Director’s Office after speaking with current Law Director Anna Villarreal.
Anastasi said Villarreal has chosen not to seek reelection and credited her leadership and service to the office. Villarreal has served as Chillicothe Law Director since 2020, after being elected to the position in the November 2019 general election. She ran unopposed and received 2,894 votes. Villarreal has now announced she will not seek reelection, opening the door for a new Law Director to take office following the next election.
Currently serving as Chillicothe’s only full-time Assistant Law Director, Anastasi said his responsibilities include prosecuting a full caseload, representing the city in appellate matters, preparing charging opinions for law enforcement agencies and assisting with the training of new attorneys. He also said he remains available to law enforcement to provide legal analysis and periodically serves as an acting judge in Highland County when a sitting judge is unavailable.
Anastasi said his campaign will emphasize preparation, accessibility, accountability and well-researched decision-making.
“I believe my education, professional experience, and years of public service have prepared me to lead this office with sound judgment, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Chillicothe,” Anastasi wrote in his announcement.
He concluded by asking voters for their support in his campaign to become Chillicothe’s next Law Director.
The information in this article is based on Anastasi’s public announcement of candidacy.
