March 21, 2025

Ohio judge disciplined for getting his son out of jail before arraignment: Columbus Dispatch
A late-night decision to tell the Scioto County Jail to let his son out led to disciplinary action against Portsmouth Municipal Court Judge Russell D. Kegley.

Williams County board reverses vote, will ask Ohio Supreme Court to hear pipeline dispute in AquaBounty case: Toledo Blade
In a rare move, a northwest Ohio county commissioner reversed the swing vote he cast nine days earlier in a significant legal case and publicly admitted that, upon further reflection, he erred by not agreeing right off the bat that his county board should try getting the case heard by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Marion man found guilty of murder in shooting that caused 'unimaginable suffering': Marion Star
After deliberating for fewer than two hours, a jury found a 60-year-old man guilty of the murder of his live-in girlfriend.

2nd family files lawsuit after 4 infants injured at Huber Heights day care: Dayton Daily News
A second family filed a lawsuit against a top-rated Huber Heights child care center following a police investigation into injuries suffered over the summer by multiple infants and a criminal charge against a former employee.

Jury deliberates in Cleveland teen’s murder trial: Cleveland.com 
A Cuyahoga County jury on Thursday began deliberating the fate of a Cleveland teenager accused of shooting a man in the back of the head. 

'Shocking': Dave Yost details secret texts and private emails exchanged at STRS Ohio: Columbus Dispatch
A former State Teachers Retirement System board member relentlessly advocated for a firm looking to do business with the pension fund, even after the pension staff rejected the firm, according to new records filed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Warren, officer deny claims in woman’s miscarriage suit: Tribune Chronicle
The city of Warren and city police officer Nicholas Carney have denied allegations of wrongdoing in a federal lawsuit filed by 33-year-old Brittany Watts, the woman arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse in September 2023 after experiencing a miscarriage at home.

Browns ask judge to toss or pause Cleveland’s lawsuit over move to Brook Park: Cleveland.com
Cleveland Browns attorneys asked a Cuyahoga County judge this week to either toss out or pause a lawsuit filed by the city of Cleveland over the team’s planned move to Brook Park after the 2028 season. 

Mother sues medical staff after daughter dies in Franklin County Jail: Columbus Dispatch
Gierra Perdue, 33, died in the Franklin County Jail in 2023 after medical staff failed to check on her as required. Exactly two years later, her mother filed a lawsuit against the medical staff for wrongful death and negligence.

Appeals court hears ex-commissioner’s arrest case: Tribune Chronicle
The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case involving the arrest of then-Trumbull County Commissioner Niki Frenchko during a 2022 public meeting.

March 20, 2025

1 Realty explosion lawsuit resolved, others pending: The Vindicator
One of the lawsuits filed in the aftermath of the May 28 Realty Tower explosion downtown that killed Chase Bank employee Akil Drake, 27, was recently resolved through settlement in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, and several others remain on the docket of Visiting Judge W. Wyatt McKay.

Re-entry coalition has helped 43 inmates by addressing needs such as housing, employment: Coshocton Tribune
A program initiated last year to help inmates transition back into society is doing some important work for Coshocton County Common Pleas Court, according to Judge Robert Batchelor.

SCORE Court hails its first 2 graduates: The Vindicator
The first two graduates of the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court’s SCORE Court were recognized and honored during a ceremony Wednesday.

'All areas of the law:' Ohio faces an attorney shortage that jeopardizes legal rights: Mansfield News Journal
It's getting harder to find help with legal battles like child custody, real estate disputes, consumer fraud and even criminal charges. That's because Ohio has a shortage of attorneys.

'She's in good hands.' Baby V.J. finds forever home with new family in Stark County: Canton Repository
Now surrounded by loving parents, grandparents, aunts and an uncle, V.J. is no longer a victim.

Judge orders second mental competency evaluation for New Albany mass shooting suspect: Newark Advocate
A Columbus man accused of killing two people and injuring five others in a February mass shooting at a New Albany manufacturing facility will undergo a second mental competency evaluation.

Judge sends Cleveland man to prison for 33 years in ‘malicious’ gas station killing: Cleveland.com
A Cleveland man was sentenced on Wednesday to 33 years in prison for shooting and killing a man at a gas station in the city’s East Side.

Man gets at least 4 years for hitting woman with car, severing foot in Harrison Twp.: Dayton Daily News
A man who reportedly hit a woman with a car and severed her foot in Harrison Twp. last year will spend at least four years in prison.

Gunshots woke her up. Here's what a key witness heard, saw in the slaying of Robert Zornes: Akron Beacon Journal
A loud bang woke Jami Vanhoose at about noon on Oct. 10, 2021.

March 19, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court weighs high-stakes solar permitting case: Canary Media
A regulatory board’s rejection of a permit for a large solar farm in southwestern Ohio has ​“essentially rewritten” state law to give local governments veto power over clean energy projects, an attorney for the project’s developer argued last week before the Ohio Supreme Court.

Ohio appeals court tosses out ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors: Columbus Dispatch
Ohio's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors is unconstitutional and should be tossed out, an appeals court ruled Tuesday.

Man who threatened city officials OK’d to enter Honor Court: The Vindicator
Charles C. Brewer of McGuffey Road pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony offense of making a terroristic threat Nov. 29 and was allowed to enter Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony D’Apolito’s Honor Court to undergo counseling and treatment.

Browns double down on Brook Park as best place for team, ask judge if they can update lawsuit: Cleveland.com
The Cleveland Browns on Tuesday doubled down on their arguments that a new, covered stadium in Brook Park is the best place for the team after the 2028 season.

Judge won’t let woman ‘walk’ in Struthers drive-by: The Vindicator
Rebecca Wetherill, 24, was sentenced to six months in the Mahoning County jail and three years of probation Tuesday after pleading guilty earlier to two low-level felonies in a Dec. 30, 2023, episode in Struthers.

Paulding County man pleads guilty to sexually abusing minor, sentenced to prison: WTOL
A Paulding County man was sentenced to prison Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

Former Kettering Schools employee pleads guilty to lesser charges in sex case: Dayton Daily News
A former computer systems administrator for Kettering City Schools faces more than a year in prison for an inappropriate sexual relationship with a Fairmont High School student more than a decade ago.

Legal aid group feeling effects of federal funding cuts: WCMH
A local organization providing legal assistance to people with disabilities is feeling the effects of federal funding cuts.

March 18, 2025

New Justice Megan Shanahan says Ohio Supreme Court is 'where laws meet lives': Cincinnati Enquirer
An appeals court last week granted a new trial for a Bedford man convicted of abducting two children, finding his defense counsel failed to object to prosecutors' use of misleading evidence.

Franklin County jury convicts man of misdemeanor for breaking sergeant's finger with bat: Columbus Dispatch
A Grandview Heights man who faced a second trial for hitting a police sergeant there with a baseball bat fitted with rusted nails and screws is now a free man.

'Your judgment is horrible': Man sentenced for raping girl who vanished from Georgia home: New Philadelphia Times-Reporter
A Dover man will spend 15 years to life in prison for the rape of a 12-year-old Georgia girl in 2024.

Former Union County Humane Society director sent to prison for euthanizing dogs, stealing: Columbus Dispatch
The former humane agent and executive director for the Union County Humane Society has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison after promising pet owners and rescue groups to rehabilitate dogs or find them new homes for a fee, but instead keeping the proceeds for personal use and euthanizing the animals without permission.

Charges dismissed against Cincinnati firefighter involved in gun battle outside bar: Cincinnati Enquirer
A Hamilton County judge on Monday dismissed all charges against a Cincinnati firefighter who said he acted in self-defense when he was involved in a shootout last year outside a local bar.

Rape, other charges dismissed for man awaiting trial: The Vindicator
The rape, felonious assault and child endangering charges filed against Mark Andrews, 66, of Hilton Avenue in Youngstown were dismissed Friday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Dayton man pleads guilty to murder of toddler, child sexual abuse material charges: Dayton Daily News
A Dayton man has pleaded guilty to murder in the death of a toddler in December 2022, as well as to charges connected to child sexual abuse material found during the murder investigation.

March 17, 2025

Ohio's rural solar fight: Neighbors, friends spar over farmland's future: Columbus Dispatch
From the office of his 5,000-acre Madison County farm, Aaron Boerger can see a barren winter field to his right that will soon become an oasis of soybeans — but one that didn't break even financially last year.

How DNA family trees are bringing justice to rape survivors decades later: Cleveland.com
Cuyahoga County prosecutors are continuing to seek justice for survivors of decades-old sexual assaults by identifying suspects through DNA family trees.

Wellsville man gets 10 years for child sex charges: Lisbon Morning Journal
A Wellsville man who pleaded guilty to sex charges involving two separate juveniles finally faced his punishment Friday, with the judge sentencing him to 10 years in prison.

Former school custodian gets jail time for secret restroom recordings of staff members: Columbus Dispatch
A former Pickerington schools custodian will spend nine months in jail and be required to register as a sex offender after admitting to making recordings in an elementary school staff bathroom.

Pegler pleads guilty to top charge in fatal Alexis Road hit-skip: Toledo Blade
A Temperance man pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges arising from a July 30 hit-skip crash on Alexis Road that killed a bicyclist.

Woman pleads to money laundering charge after investigation into drug deals inside jail: Zanesville Times Recorder
One of two Nashport residents who authorities say used a money transfer app to aid in drug deals while incarcerated appeared in court, 10 months after an inmate died of a fentanyl overdose. The other remains in jail.

Judge denies motion to suppress toxicology evidence: Lisbon Morning Journal
A Columbiana man accused of being impaired during a crash which seriously injured a woman in 2023 lost his attempt to have blood toxicology evidence thrown out.

Magistrate temporarily closes club where three killings have happened: The Vindicator
Magistrate Dennis Sarisky of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on Friday granted a temporary restraining order that shuts down the Vibes Night Club, 914 E. Midlothian Blvd., where a man was shot to death in the parking lot early March 3.

Christ Hospital settles suit following death of man days after discharge: Cincinnati Enquirer
More than a year after a woman filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Christ Hospital over her late husband's death, parties have reached a settlement of an undisclosed amount.

March 14, 2025

How a disbarred attorney stole from clients, defrauded 7 law firms and lied to a judge: Cincinnati Enquirer
Disbarred Cincinnati attorney Richard Crosby stole from clients, defrauded law firms across the country, lied to a judge and even "hatched a new scheme" while awaiting trial in federal court.

Veteran Enquirer reporter headed to new Hamilton County prosecutor’s office as top staff announced: Cincinnati Business Courier
A veteran reporter for the Cincinnati Enquirer is leaving the news organization to work for Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich.

Columbus man gets at least 59 years in prison for killing man, woman outside of community center: WBNS
A Columbus man who killed a man and a woman outside of a South Franklinton community center nearly three years ago will spend at least 59 years in prison.

Niles man sentenced in child porn case: Tribune Chronicle
A Niles man pleaded guilty Wednesday to multiple charges in a child pornography case and was sentenced to two to three years in prison, according to court records.

Newton Falls man convicted for 2nd time in hammer attack on Ravenna Twp. Woman: Akron Beacon Journal
A Portage County jury has found a Newton Falls man guilty for the second time in the 2015 nearly fatal beating of a Ravenna Township woman with a hammer.

Former Massillon football player settles suit over being stripped naked by teammates: Canton Repository
Massillon City Schools has settled a civil lawsuit brought by a football player who was stripped naked and photographed by his teammates.

Columbus police officer involved in TownHall brawl says she was fired for defending herself: Columbus Dispatch
A Columbus police officer fired after a fight at a Short North bar in January says she should get her job back because she was defending herself.

Medical Mutual of Ohio wins multimillion judgment in lawsuit against competitors: Cleveland.com
A jury has awarded Medical Mutual of Ohio more than $50 million after it sued two competing medical providers, accusing them of undercutting the bidding process for healthcare contracts with the city of Toledo.

March 13, 2025

Attorney General challenges Brandon Crump's appeal in Rowan Sweeney murder case: WFMJ
The Ohio Attorney General's office is contesting Brandon Crump's appeal of his conviction in the 2020 home invasion that resulted in the death of four-year-old Rowan Sweeney.

Former Dayton attorney pleads guilty after being accused of grooming Nevada girl: Dayton Daily News
A former Dayton attorney of trying to groom a Nevada teen over two years by exchanging explicit images, discussing sexual fantasies and asking her for sex has pleaded guilty to more than three dozen charges.

He puts murderers behind bars in Butler County. Then goes home to write crime novels: Cincinnati Enquirer
"This woman was stabbed." Butler County Prosecutor Michael "Mike" Gmoser reads matter-of-factly from a crime novel he wrote.

Cleveland brothers' killer gets life in prison with the chance of parole in 21 years: Cleveland.com
A Shaker Heights man was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for the slayings of two Cleveland brothers in 2020.

Jury convicts Landis of all counts in Sylvania Township shooting: Toledo Blade
A Lucas County jury convicted a man of attempted murder and all other charges arising from a Sept. 9 shooting in Sylvania Township that wounded two men.

Niles woman sentenced to probation after seven-week-old son mauled by German Shepherd: WFMJ
A Niles woman who was charged after her seven-week-old son was mauled by a German Shepherd has learned her fate.

Licking County judge sets competency hearing for New Albany mass shooting suspect: Newark Advocate
Whether a Columbus man, accused of killing two people and injuring four others in a February mass shooting at a New Albany manufacturing facility, can stand trial will be the subject of a hearing next week in Licking County court.

March 12, 2025

State justices urged to let gun restrictions take effect: Toledo Blade
Do Ohio cities have the home-rule authority to regulate guns within their own borders in the face of constitutional language and state law protecting gun rights?

Leah Dinkelacker appointed to Megan Shanahan's seat in Hamilton County: Cincinnati Enquirer
Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday announced the appointment of Leah Dinkelacker to serve on Hamilton County's common pleas court alongside her father.

GRACE Court changing lives in Youngstown: WKBN
A person who got a second chance through a specialized court docket took advantage of getting it.

Judge dismisses ex-city clerk of courts’ lawsuit: The Vindicator
A judge ruled in favor of Youngstown by dismissing a lawsuit filed by Sarah Brown-Clark, the city’s former longtime clerk of courts, who contends she is entitled to $28,298 in unpaid salary increases for the final six years of her term.

How can you expunge or seal your criminal record for free? Legal aid, Chase offer help: Columbus Dispatch
Hadasha Foxx has wanted to be a nurse for more than a decade, but found out last year that a mistake she made years ago would hold her back from her dream.

'With me or against me': Man sentenced for ordering execution-style killing in Middletown: Cincinnati Enquirer
When 35-year-old Asiah Slone's body was discovered roughly a month after police launched a missing persons investigation, it was her friend, Casey Kilgore, who found the woman's decomposing remains.

Westerville man gets 15 years to life in prison for running over, killing man last year: WBNS
A 20-year-old man was sentenced to at least 15 years in prison for running over and killing a man last year, the Delaware County Prosecutor's Office announced Tuesday.

Whitehall mother sentenced to prison for manslaughter in 9-month-old daughter's death: Columbus Dispatch
A Whitehall woman who caused the death of her infant daughter and seriously injured another child learned Wednesday she would spend more than a decade in prison.

East Cleveland man gets 4 years in prison for killing grandfather: Cleveland.com
An East Cleveland man who pleaded guilty Tuesday to killing his grandfather was sentenced to four years in prison after family members asked for mercy.

'Harm' and 'betrayal': Ex-Shroder High School teacher sentenced for sex with student: Cincinnati Enquirer
Former teacher Andre Rollins had already apologized several times for having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student, when he told a judge that he's "not the type of person who wants to traumatize or hurt anyone."

Man sentenced to 2 years in Moraine bank robbery: Dayton Daily News
A man who pleaded guilty in connection to robbery at a Moraine Fifth Third Bank in September was sentenced last week.

Officials drop charges against Mercy Health Lorain president, settle lawsuit over hospital police force: Cleveland.com
Lorain officials dropped contempt of court charges against Mercy Health Lorain Hospital’s president and settled a lawsuit filed by the healthcare provider over the disbanding of its police force.

Lawsuit filed against county, dog warden, condo association in brutal fatal mauling case: Columbus Dispatch
The family of a woman killed in a vicious dog attack outside her condo is suing Pickaway County officials, the condo association and property managers as well as the dog owners.

March 11, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court to decide if Columbus can enforce gun safety regulations: Ohio Capital Journal
The Ohio Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether the City of Columbus should be allowed to implement its gun safety regulations while the ordinance is making its way through the court system.

Ohio Justices' Gun Case Has More Than Second Amendment at Stake: Bloomberg Law
Ohio’s top court will hear arguments Tuesday in a dispute that has united both political parties in seeking to expand their ability to file appeals.

'I didn't want to leave' | Warren County court program offers veterans support, structure to turn life around: WCPO
After a traumatic injury during his military service, Scott Horton found himself struggling to adjust to civilian life, self-medicating as a means of coping.

Cleveland Municipal Court to reopen Wednesday following cyberattack, investigation still ongoing: WKYC
Cleveland Municipal Court will reopen Wednesday more than two weeks after a cyberattack shut down most of its operations.

Dayton man sentenced to prison again for child sexual abuse material charges: Dayton Daily News
A Dayton man who pleaded guilty on his third child sexual abuse material case has been sentenced to prison.

Judge sentences North Linden man to 20 years in fatal shooting of 17-year-old boy: WBNS
A North Linden man pleaded guilty Monday to charges connected to the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in 2021.

Woman convicted of 2016 murder of her 2-year-old child: Cleveland.com
A mother accused of killing her 2-year-old son in 2016 was found guilty Monday in Summit County Common Pleas Court of murder, prosecutors say.

Driver guilty in 107 mph crash that killed 2 young Springboro HS grads: Dayton Daily News
A Bellbrook woman was found guilty of causing a crash in May 2023 that killed two young Springboro High School graduates, Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell announced Monday.

Hyde Park attorneys float lawsuit over square development: Cincinnati Business Courier
Attorneys representing nearby residents opposed to a $150 million development on Hyde Park Square may look at suing the city of Cincinnati if City Council approves a zoning change to allow the project.

West Chester Township country bar sued, accused of playing music without license: Cincinnati Enquirer
A Greater Cincinnati country music venue is facing a major copyright lawsuit after being accused of not paying for the proper license to play music at its events.

March 10, 2025

Pastor who swindled church takes case to Ohio Supreme Court over his sentence: Columbus Dispatch
A former Columbus pastor convicted of swindling his congregation out of $1 million is taking his case to the Ohio Supreme Court to argue that the courts gave him too much "community control" time after he served time in prison.

Delaware County Commissioners sue county treasurer for violating oversight policy: Columbus Dispatch
The Delaware County Board of Commissioners has sued County Treasurer Donald Rankey, accusing him of failing three times in the past year to seek permission from an advisory committee before purchasing private placement bonds to help various projects.

Appeals court cites Cleveland youth’s low IQ in overturning judgment in robbery case: Cleveland.com
An appeals court on Thursday reversed a delinquency judgment for a youth — with an IQ in the 50s — whose attorneys failed to raise concerns about his competency before and after allowing him to admit to aggravated robbery.

Appellate panel rejects bus driver’s plea to have disability claims order vacated: Daily Legal News
A Franklin County appellate panel denied the action of a COTA bus driver diagnosed with long COVID who sought to compel the state public employees’ retirement system to vacate an order denying him disability benefits.

Hawk Sentenced to Life in Prison: WHIZ
A Muskingum County man will spend life in prison for the rape of a child.

Cleveland murder trial ends abruptly in plea to lesser charge: Cleveland.com
A murder trial abruptly ended this week when a judge accepted a man’s guilty plea to a lesser offense of involuntary manslaughter.

Vicious: Dog attacks maim, disfigure and kill every year. How Ohio law fails victims: Columbus Dispatch
By the fall of 2024, everyone on Kildow Court knew the dogs were dangerous.

March 7, 2025

Cleveland judge hands down prison sentences for street takeover: Cleveland.com
Two men who blocked a busy Cleveland intersection during a street takeover last fall were sentenced to prison Thursday and ordered to pay the city nearly $40,000 in damages.

Lorain city, county to pay $263K for jailing wrong man who had the same name as rape suspect: Cleveland.com
Lorain city and county officials agreed to pay $263,000 to a man who spent nine days in jail because police confused him with a sexual assault suspect with a similar name.

Legal aid reps say progress slow at Stonegate: Tribune Chronicle
Progress on addressing ongoing housing issues at the Stonegate Apartments remains slow, but residents and community legal aid advocates say they are cautiously optimistic as they explore potential solutions, including exploring the possibility of receivership.

Warren woman pleads guilty in police chase, crash: Tribune Chronicle
A Warren woman has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a high-speed police chase that ended in a crash injuring two passengers, authorities said.

Former Ohio State cornerback avoids prison for domestic violence conviction: Columbus Dispatch
A former Ohio State University football player with a history of legal issues avoided prison after admitting to assaulting a woman he knew.

Proposed Miami County jail project could cost more than $100 million: Dayton Daily News
Miami County is looking at a proposed county jail project that carries a more than $100 million price tag that county commissioners hope to build primarily using proceeds from a temporary sales tax increase.

March 6, 2025

Faith Life Church critics face protection order requests, legal threats to stay quiet: Columbus Dispatch
Critics of New Albany's Faith Life Church, which is part of an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of minors, have received cease and desist letters and civil protection orders seeking to prevent them from making "false statements" about the situation, according to documents obtained by the Dispatch. 

Contract reveals how much taxpayers are paying firm to help negotiate with Bengals: Cincinnati Enquirer
Hamilton County officials expect big things from a world-renowned sports investment firm to help them negotiate a new lease and renovation plan for Paycor Stadium, based on a contract obtained through an open records request by The Enquirer.

Man who damaged church statues gets prison for violating probation: The Vindicator
Caleb Vancampen, 24, who destroyed 16 statues outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica in Youngstown in 2021 and received treatment for mental health issues as part of his plea agreement, was sentenced Wednesday to 146 days in prison for a probation violation.

Defendant in 2022 Campbell ‘melee’ gets prison term: The Vindicator
Emanuel Alvira-Mercado, the final defendant among five who were charged in the Dec. 29, 2022, “melee” that resulted in a man being shot on Jean Street in Campbell, was sentenced Wednesday to two to three years in prison.

Man sentenced for aggravated vehicular homicide in 2024 Carroll County crash: Canton Repository
A 27-year-old man from Columbiana County has been sentenced to eight to 12 years in prison for killing a man from the Malvern area in a crash nearly a year ago.

Sylvania Township shooting victims recount sound of gunshots, burning pain: Toledo Blade
The second day of the trial of a man accused of shooting a Sylvania Township couple as they slept in their bed included graphic testimony from both of the victims.

Cleveland’s new landlord law faces legal challenge from apartment owners: Cleveland.com
Companies that own three apartment complexes in Cleveland sued the city on Tuesday over a law that aims at giving city officials more teeth to fight blight and force absentee landlords to fix code violations.

Taft Stettinius & Hollister expands into Florida market through merger with boutique litigation firm: Cincinnati Business Courier
Taft Stettinius & Hollister has announced its expansion into a new market through a merger with a boutique law firm.

March 5, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court declines to hear legal battle over former Timken Stables building: Canton Repository
The Ohio Supreme Court has declined to hear a legal appeal from a local religious group fighting the city over the former Timken Stables property.

City working to create domestic violence-focused court: WCMH
Columbus officials are exploring ideas to make the court process easier for victims of domestic violence by creating a domestic violence-only court. 

Man who shot cousin’s cat to enter Honor Court: The Vindicator
Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony D’Apolito said he was reluctant to allow Daniel A. Curl, 38, of Lipply Road in Beaver Township to enter the judge’s Honor Court after hearing that Curl is charged with a felony cruelty to companion animals charge and a gun specification.

Judge rules against Brookville couple’s claim city workers left yard ‘a barren moonscape’: Dayton Daily News
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the city of Brookville in which two residents said a section of trees and shrubs on their property was razed without their permission by Brookville public works employees.

Man gets life for murder, standoff: Tribune Chronicle
A Brookfield man pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of aggravated murder and aggravated burglary in the shotgun killing of his ex-girlfriend in December that ended in a 22-hour standoff.

Shooter in ’21 bar parking lot killing gets prison term: The Vindicator
One day after a homicide in the parking lot of the Vibez nightclub on East Midlothian Boulevard in Youngstown, Johnnie McCall, 35, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and other charges for killing a man in the same parking lot on Dec. 12, 2021.

Dayton man accused of sexually assaulting, strangling girlfriend pleads guilty: Dayton Daily News
A Dayton man who was accused of sexually assaulting and strangling his girlfriend has pleaded guilty.

Trial begins for man accused of Sylvania Township shooting: Toledo Blade
“Obsession. Jealousy. Calculated violence,” is how Lucas County Prosecutor Jessica Worley began her opening statement in the attempted murder trial of Sean Landis.

March 4, 2025

Judge Teresa Ballinger honored for judicial excellence in Ohio: Marion Star
A Marion Municipal Court judge has been awarded the President's Award for Judicial Excellence by the Association of Municipal/County Judges of Ohio.

Cleveland driver sentenced for fatal crash that caused apartment explosion: Cleveland.com
A Cleveland man was sentenced Monday to nine to 12 years in prison for killing a woman when he crashed his car into an apartment building, setting off an explosion.

Man guilty on all counts in murder on East Side: The Vindicator
Apparently it was more important to jurors that they saw Andre K. Bailey’s actions on video at the time Reynaldo Hernandez, 24, was killed in Bailey’s East Side home in October and not as important that cell phones went missing.

Woman pleads guilty in drunken crash: The Vindicator
Kyashia D. Madison of Youngstown pleaded guilty Monday to six charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, in an Aug. 16, 2023, East Side crash that killed a passenger in another car. Madison will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. March 13.

3-year-old showed signs of abuse before death, witness says in Amanda Bunner murder trial: Akron Beacon Journal
Bruises and other marks on 3-year-old Jaxon Bunner may indicate that he was repeatedly punched and possibly smothered in the days or weeks before his death, jurors were told Monday as his mother's trial continued in Summit County Common Pleas Court.

Woman admits causing overdoses at Ravenna Eagles Club: Ravenna Record-Courier
A Ravenna Township woman has accepted a plea deal in connection with overdoses of a half-dozen people in June at the Ravenna Eagles Club.

Louisville Baptist Temple settles lawsuit with Akron contractor: Canton Repository
An Akron contractor has settled its lawsuit against a Louisville church.

March 3, 2025

‘I’m a different person’ - Family Recovery Court helps parents work toward sobriety, reunification: Cleveland.com
A courtroom that’s traditionally austere was jovial in late February as Carol, a recovering addict going through Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court’s Family Recovery program, performed show-and-tell.

Franklin County's longest-serving judge says year-end retirement will be a 'retooling': Columbus Dispatch
Almost every day for 31 years, Judge James Green has made his way to the Franklin County Municipal Court complex by 9 a.m. to oversee a day of hearings.

Longtime prosecuting attorney Dennis Barr named newest judge at Canton Municipal Court: Canton Repository
Longtime Stark County Assistant Prosecutor Dennis Barr has been named a judge at Canton Municipal Court.

Franklin County judges ban ICE arrests at courthouse after 'increased activity': Columbus Dispatch
An increase in immigration enforcement at the Franklin County courthouse has prompted the Common Pleas Court judges to issue new rules barring arrests within the courthouse.

Can volunteer pretrial support help reduce Cleveland’s jail population?: Signal Cleveland
The Universalist Unitarian Congregation of Cleveland is out to prove that, with personalized support, fewer people with felony charges would miss court and end up in jail.

Woman goes on trial in Firestone Park death of toddler son, Jaxon Bunner: Akron Beacon Journal
Kyle Bunner said his life fell apart nearly nine years ago, on April 12, 2016.

Kettering man gets 20 years in prison for shooting, killing wife: Dayton Daily News
A Kettering man who shot and killed his wife in June 2023 before turning himself in to the jail will spend at least the next two decades in prison.

Court documents: Teen shot and killed man accused of beating his mother: Cincinnati Enquirer
The attorney for the teen accused of killing 30-year-old Levonte Hyde said his client watched the man beat his mother to a pulp.

Harrison Twp. man pleads guilty in 20-hour assault of woman: Dayton Daily News
A Harrison Twp. man accused of beating, choking and sexually assaulting a woman over nearly 20 hours has pleaded guilty.

Women connected to fraudulent dog training business plead guilty to theft charges: Dayton Daily News
Two women who were charged connected to a scheme involving a fraudulent dog training business that abused and neglected animals have pleaded guilty in agreements filed Friday in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

Febraury 28, 2025

Court officials seek New Philadelphia's help renovating building: New Philadelphia Times Reporter
Officials with New Philadelphia Municipal Court are asking the city to provide them with $300,000 from the general fund to pay for much-needed renovations to the court facility.

Man stabbed to death while caring for grandchild; killer gets life sentence: Cleveland.com
A Shelby man was sentenced Thursday by a Summit County judge to life in prison after he pleaded guilty to the 2019 stabbing death of a 64-year-old man in Barberton.

Jury finds Georgetown man guilty of shooting members of his own family, killing 1: WCPO
The man accused of killing his grandfather before shooting his grandmother and cousin in their Georgetown home in September 2023 has been found guilty.

Summit County jury finds Canton man guilty of multiple sex crimes against children: Cleveland.com
A Canton man is now facing a possible life sentence in prison after a Summit County jury convicted him Thursday of raping a young child multiple times.

2 men learn their fate after convictions of murder, arson for fatal Canton house fire: Canton Repository
Two men have been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years for setting a fire that killed a 66-year-old man on May 1.

Woman guilty of child endangering in death of her son: The Vindicator
Jurors found Brianna C. Zagotti, 31, of Austintown, not guilty of involuntary manslaughter Thursday but guilty of child endangering following a two-day trial in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Heads of Hamilton County political parties join new law firms: Cincinnati Enquirer
The heads of the Democratic and Republican parties in Hamilton County don't often see eye-to-eye.

Febraury 27, 2025

Judge: Insufficient evidence to supervise Blue Ash parents in child abuse, assault case: Cincinnati Enquirer
A Hamilton County Juvenile Court judge has dismissed a complaint filed against a Blue Ash couple which led to a requirement that they had to be supervised at all times in their home with their two children.

Ohio approves millions in payments to wrongfully imprisoned Northeast Ohioans: Cleveland.com
State officials have approved multimillion-dollar payments to two Northeast Ohio men who each spent years in prison for crimes they didn’t commit.

Shaker Heights man convicted of killing two Cleveland brothers in 2020 shooting: Cleveland.com
A Shaker Heights man was found guilty Wednesday for his role in the slayings of two brothers in 2020.

Man convicted of murder for fatal shooting at motorcycle club: Toledo Blade
A Lucas County jury convicted a Toledo man for murder Wednesday afternoon in another man’s shooting death almost a year ago during a melee at a central Toledo after-hours club.

Amazon driver testifies to hearing gunshots, scream: The Vindicator
The driver of an Amazon truck testified Wednesday as the first witness in the aggravated murder trial of Andre K. Bailey, 40, that he was new to the East Side of Youngstown when he went there to deliver several packages Oct. 17 on Bott Street.

Woman sentenced to life in prison for murder of father-in-law; husband awaits day in court: Zanesville Times Recorder
Less than a week after her arrest, a Zanesville woman's arraignment was immediately followed by a plea hearing and a maximum sentencing.

Local death-row inmate wants blood-stained shoes reexamined: WKBN
Attorneys for a man on death row for the 1997 shooting death of a downtown bar owner during a robbery filed a motion Wednesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court asking for permission to have DNA evidence tested at his expense.

Fort Rapids waterpark may finally be sold after legal hurdle cleared: WCMH
A recent court ruling could make way for the former Fort Rapids waterpark on the East Side to finally be sold.

Franklin County Prosecutor announces office restructuring to 'streamline' criminal cases: Columbus Dispatch
Newly elected Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor is making changes within the office as she settles into her first months in the role.

U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Green woman's employment discrimination case: Akron Beacon Journal
The United States Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in the case of Marlean Ames, 60, of Green, who claimed she was passed over for promotion and demoted because she is a straight woman.

Febraury 26, 2025

High Court awards $1K to former LCI prisoner who doesn’t get inmate handbook: Dayton Daily News
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction must pay $1,000 to a former Lebanon Correctional Institution inmate for not giving him a copy of an inmate handbook, according to a Tuesday ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Ohio inmate denied prison handbook scores $1K in lawsuit – again: Cincinnati Enquirer
Ohio’s prison system must pay $1,000 to a convicted rapist for failing to give him an inmate handbook while he was held in a Cincinnati-area prison.   

Cleveland Municipal Court to remain closed ‘until further notice’ for cyber incident: WOIO
The Cleveland Municipal Court, including Cleveland Housing Court, will be closed “until further notice” for a cyber incident.

Teen gets 18 years to life for killing 14-year-old friend during argument: Toledo Blade
A Lucas County judge bemoaned youths’ easy access to guns Tuesday before sending a 17-year-old to prison for life for the 2023 murder of a 14-year-old friend.

Parma man sentenced to life for child rape at unlicensed daycare: Cleveland.com
A Parma man who ran an illegal daycare out of his home was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole for rape and gross sexual imposition.

Man sentenced in execution-style murder: Tribune Chronicle
“There’s nothing like the loss of a child,” Linda Monday said in court Tuesday during the sentencing hearing of the man convicted of killing her grandson.

Ashtabula man pleads guilty after hitting Cleveland police officer with dirt bike in Ohio City: WKYC
Andrew Fusco, an Ashtabula man who hit and injured a Cleveland police officer with a dirt bike last year in Ohio City, has pleaded guilty. 

Suspect in Short North mass shooting pleads guilty to reduced charge: WCMH
A man facing charges in connection to a mass shooting in the Short North last summer changed his plea in court Tuesday morning.

2nd attempted murder trial underway in 2015 Ravenna hammer attack: Ravenna Record-Courier
More than eight years after a jury convicted a Newton Falls man in the nearly fatal hammer attack of a Ravenna Township woman, his second trial has begun.

Detectives conclude prosecution case in man's murder trial: Toledo Blade
A murder suspect now mounting a defense-of-others defense initially told investigators he wasn’t involved in the fatal shooting almost a year ago at a central Toledo after-hours club.

Georgetown Murder Trial | Family testifies against Noah Clifton after judge denies self-representation request: WCPO
The second day of Noah Clifton’s murder trial started with an argument over representation with Judge Scott T. Gusweiler.

Pataskala woman withdraws request seeking intervention in Granville dog death case: Newark Advocate
A Pataskala woman accused of beating a dog that later died from its injuries in Granville withdrew a motion seeking intervention to avoid a felony conviction, court records show.