Ohio Blogger to Stand Trial for Sending Explicit Image to State Senator

An Ohio political blogger is set to appear in court on October 7, 2026, regarding a trial to determine if sending an explicit image of the character Shrek to a Republican state senator constitutes free speech or harassment. DJ Byrnes, a 39-year-old Substack writer based in Columbus, faces charges of telecommunications harassment after allegedly sending the image to state Senator Jerry Cirino. Byrnes was arrested on June 1 at the Ohio State Capitol due to a warrant related to harassment from an unnamed complainant. In a motion filed on July 29 to dismiss the case, Byrnes identified Cirino as the recipient of the image, which he had reportedly sent after Cirino withdrew from a race for the Ohio Senate presidency. Byrnes referred to Cirino as 'Young Mussolini' in a text message, stating, 'Good to see you finally made your humiliation public, Young Mussolini. THE PATRIOTS CAUCUS sends its regards!!!!!!!!!!!' The text included a vulgar image of Shrek. Cirino reportedly responded, 'I don’t know who this is but I am certain you are a moron.' Byrnes' motion to dismiss the case argues that the image was part of a longstanding internet meme and cites First Amendment rights, although this motion was denied. Both Byrnes and Cirino's legal representatives did not provide immediate comments.