January 17, 2025

Five judges bow out of city corruption case: The Vindicator
All Mahoning County Common Pleas Court judges recused themselves from hearing Youngstown’s $834,608 lawsuit against former city Finance Director David Bozanich, property developer Dominic Marchionda and two of the latter’s companies.

Trial for former Franklin County deputy Meade in Casey Goodson death postponed again: Columbus Dispatch
The second trial of a former Franklin County Sheriff's deputy will be postponed from its scheduled February start date.

Hubbard man sentenced to 3 to 4 years in fatal crash: Tribune Chronicle
A Hubbard man was sentenced Thursday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court to three to four years in prison for a May 2024 drunken driving crash that killed his passenger.

Cleveland police officer guilty of 3 charges after car crash into pole: WOIO
A Cleveland police officer pleaded no contest to three charges in Parma Heights Mayor’s Court Thursday.

Former FirstEnergy executives face federal charges in massive bribery scheme: Columbus Dispatch
Two former FirstEnergy executives were indicted in connection with a massive statewide bribery scandal that put one of Ohio's most powerful politicians in federal prison.

Woman incompetent to stand trial in stabbing death of her mother in Middletown: WCPO
A Middletown woman accused of killing her 72-year-old mother in October has been ruled incompetent to stand trial in Butler County Common Pleas Court.

Company that sued over construction projects sues again: The Vindicator
Rudzik Excavating of Struthers has filed another lawsuit regarding project labor agreements on two 2024 Mahoning County construction projects, this time in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, and this time focused on the company wanting a judge to order Mahoning County to return Rudzik’s bid bonds.

Supreme Court upholds law banning TikTok if it’s not sold by its Chinese parent company: Associated Press
The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the federal law banning TikTok beginning Sunday unless it’s sold by its China-based parent company, holding that the risk to national security posed by its ties to China overcomes concerns about limiting speech by the app or its 170 million users in the United States.

Jan. 16, 2025

Animal cruelty conviction stands following SUPCO ruling: WKBN
A felony animal cruelty conviction in Ohio that was remanded back to a lower court will stand after the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that stray animals are part of Ohio’s animal cruelty law.

Ohio AG Dave Yost, city of Cleveland file motions to dismiss Browns' legal attempts to overturn 'Modell Law': WKYC
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and the city of Cleveland have each filed motions seeking to overturn the Browns' federal lawsuit that attempts to have the so-called "Art Modell Law" declared unconstitutional.

Richland County Prosecutor's Office enjoys canine visitors on Fridays: Mansfield News Journal
Prosecuting attorneys see the worst of humanity, from murderers to child rapists.

Wounded Columbus police officer offers forgiveness as suspects in I-70 shootout sentenced: Columbus Dispatch
While not able himself to be inside the federal courtroom Wednesday, a Columbus police officer injured in a 2023 shootout with three people involved in a robbery spree offered the surviving suspects forgiveness before they were sentenced.

Child porn charges net Warren man 6 to 9 years: Tribune Chronicle
A Warren man was sentenced Wednesday to six to nine years after pleading guilty to multiple felony child porn charges.

83-year-old man gets 2 years in Warren County child sex case: Dayton Daily News
An 83-year-old Franklin man is headed to prison after pleading guilty in a child sex case.

Man shot, wounded by Dayton police gets prison, fine on gun, drug charges: Dayton Daily News
A man who was charged after he reportedly pointed a gun at two police officers and was shot has been sentenced to prison with a fine.

Niles man found not guilty by reason of insanity: Tribune Chronicle
A Niles man accused of assaulting his wife and engaging in a violent standoff with police last summer was found not guilty by reason of insanity on charges of attempted aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, strangulation and assault.

Mistrial declared after jurors start deliberations in Akron homicide trial: Akron Beacon Journal
The reckless homicide trial of 76-year-old Harry Wilkinson was thrown out after a mistrial was declared Wednesday, putting the future of the case into question. Prosecutors could retry the case or dismiss it.

Former Columbus VFW post quartermaster sentenced in $35,000 check fraud scheme: Columbus Dispatch
A central Ohio man who was the former quartermaster of a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Columbus will serve five years on probation and have to repay more than $35,000 he stole from the organization under an apparent plea deal.

Trial underway for 2 men accused in deadly shooting on I-77 in Summit County: WOIO
Two out of three men accused in the deadly shooting on I-77 in Green in August 2023 are on trial in Summit County Court of Common Pleas.

Columbus joins national fight accusing drug manufacturers of inflating insulin prices: Columbus Dispatch
Columbus joined a slough of cities, states and counties in suing drug companies and pharmacy benefit managers who they say artificially raised insulin prices for decades and profited from it, city attorney Zach Klein announced Wednesday.

Attys Name Evolving Legal Tech As Industry's Top Challenge: Law360
Adjusting to ever-evolving technology including artificial intelligence, automation and emerging legal tech is the biggest challenge facing the legal industry in 2025, according to a new survey by peer-review publication company Best Lawyers.

Jan. 15, 2025

Hamilton County tosses old court records, makes room for stray dogs: Cincinnati Enquirer
Hamilton County's stray dogs soon will replace shelves filled with old court cases in a sprawling, one-story brick warehouse.

City of Cleveland files new lawsuit against Browns to keep them playing downtown: WKYC
Amid the Haslam Sports Group's plan to build a domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns in Brook Park, the city of Cleveland has gone to court to try to "ensure that the Cleveland Browns continue playing in downtown Cleveland."

City woman sues Warren, police and hospital: Tribune Chronicle
Brittany Watts, whose miscarriage experience became a major topic of public discussion in 2024, has filed a lawsuit against Bon Secours Mercy Health, St. Joseph Warren Hospital, the city of Warren and several individuals.

Columbus man who fatally stabbed neighbor while hearing voices sentenced: Columbus Dispatch
A man who fatally stabbed his neighbor while having auditory hallucinations will spend at least 15 years in prison.

Woman guilty in fatal shooting of another woman at Akron bar: WOIO
The woman accused of fatally shooting another woman in 2022 at an Akron bar was found guilty Tuesday.

Suffield Township man accepts plea deal in wife's stabbing death: Akron Beacon Journal
A Suffield Township man accepted a plea deal the morning he was to go on trial for the second time in the Valentine's Day stabbing death of his wife.

Ex-elementary school teacher withdraws plea in child sex abuse videos case: Cincinnati Enquirer
A now-former elementary school teacher who has admitted trading videos depicting the sexual abuse of children the same age as children in his classroom was allowed to withdraw his guilty plea Tuesday.

Stark Jail employee altered records in inmate’s death: Canton Repository
A man who worked in the Stark County Jail has admitted altering records there, a move discovered during the investigation of an inmate’s suicide in 2023.

Jury to deliberate on trial of homeless man’s death: Akron Beacon Journal
Jurors are deliberating whether a 76-year-old veteran and member of the Firestone Veterans of Foreign Wars post shot and killed a homeless man who illegally lived in a shed on VFW property last year.

Former Visit Perrysburg chief to take theft case to trial: Toledo Blade
The former Visit Perrysburg director accused of stealing more than $1,000 from the tourism agency turned down a plea bargain Tuesday afternoon and indicated a desire to take her case to trial.

Columbus law requires property owners to clear sidewalks. Does the city enforce it?: Columbus Dispatch
Snow fell again Tuesday in Columbus, and more scattered snow showers are forecast Thursday.

Toledo City Council approves settlement with George Floyd protesters: Toledo Blade
The city of Toledo is hoping to move forward as it settles the remaining claims brought forth by 16 individuals who allege Toledo police violated their civil rights with a brutal response to a George Floyd protest rally in 2020.

Jan. 14, 2025

State high court sets date in city wrongful death suit: The Vindicator
Attorneys representing Youngstown and the executor of an estate seeking as much as $5 million from the city in a wrongful death lawsuit will give oral arguments May 13 to the Ohio Supreme Court, which will determine if two lower courts correctly ruled the municipality is not immune from liability.

Appeals court orders release of Cheviot woman convicted in abuse of stepson: Cincinnati Enquirer
A state appeals court has overturned the convictions and sentence of a Cheviot woman who a jury found guilty of abusing her stepson and dismissed the case entirely.

Court sides with Wright State in $4.5M lawsuit over ‘handshake agreement’ with consulting group: Dayton Daily News
The Ohio Court of Claims found in favor of Wright State University in a former consultant’s lawsuit against the university, ruling that the lack of a written contract failed to bolster the consultant’s arguments that Wright State owed him millions of dollars.

Driver in fatal Clark County bus crash files appeal: WCMH
A man convicted of vehicular manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter has filed an appeal in Clark County.

Medina receives good news on courthouse demolition costs: Cleveland.com
While the city might still need to find ways to bring down the cost of renovations to the 1969 courthouse, council did receive some good news when it comes to the process of demolition and asbestos removal inside the building.

Muskingum County Courthouse elevator closing for replacement; accommodations planned: Zanesville Times Recorder
The Muskingum County courthouse elevator is closing and some minor changes have been put in place to help people who have business in the upper floor.

Shumaker law firm aims to help 1 million people learn to read: Toledo Blade
As Shumaker marks its 100th anniversary, the Toledo law firm plans to celebrate by helping 1 million people learn to read.

Man pleads guilty to vehicular homicide in fatal Clay Wade Bailey Bridge crash: WCPO
A man has waived a scheduled jury trial and pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide in connection to a crash that killed a 25-year-old man on the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge in 2023.

New Ohio law seeks to stop damage from meritless SLAPP suits and protect speech: Statehouse News Bureau
Ohio has a new law to battle strategic lawsuits against public participation, known as SLAPPs.

Cleveland says it is dropping law firm for helping Brook Park with new Browns stadium: Signal Cleveland
The Browns’ football season may be over, but there’s no off-season for the lawyers squabbling over Browns stadium. 

Niles settles wrongful death suit: Tribune Chronicle
The city of Niles has agreed to pay $2 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit involving the estate of Matthew Burroughs, according to a court document filed recently.

Local bar owners file $5M lawsuit for train derailment damages: WKBN
The owners of a local bar have filed a $5 million lawsuit against Norfolk Southern Railway Company and Norfolk Southern Corp. regarding the February 3, 2023, train derailment.

 

Jan. 13, 2025

Former Ohio Supreme Court justice honored with portraiture ceremony: WCMH
A special ceremony took place Friday in downtown Columbus, honoring retired Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton with a portrait dedication.

As Ohio approaches energy cliff, four solar farms' fates are in the Ohio Supreme Court’s hands: Cleveland.com
As the state grapples with an explosion in energy demand and an electric grid underequipped to handle it, the Ohio Supreme Court controls the fate of four utility-scale solar farms that together could power hundreds of thousands of homes.

Delaware man sentenced for animal cruelty after 40 dogs were rescued from his home: WCMH
A Delaware man has been sentenced to fines and jail time after being found guilty of animal cruelty for keeping 40 dogs in heavy chains and swampy conditions.

Woman pleads to OVI after running over gravestones: WKBN
A woman who urinated in an arresting officer’s patrol car after running over gravestones at a church cemetery was ordered to pay restitution upon entering a guilty plea in the case.

Carroll charged with 10 felonies for reported July 6 fire in Mansfield: Mansfield News Journal
A 28-year-old Bellville man charged with setting fire to a house with four people inside has been found competent to stand trial.

Key witness in the fatal shooting on I-77 testifies: Akron Beacon Journal
Giovanni Porter took the stand Friday in Summit County Common Pleas Court and testified about his role in the shooting on Interstate 77 that killed 23year-old Marquise Banks.

After Pataskala pig attack, who's legally liable? Here's what experts said about Ohio law: Columbus Dispatch
If farm animals are running free and hurt or even kill someone — like the pigs that authorities say mauled and killed a Pataskala woman on Christmas Day — could their owner be liable or face criminal charges? Ohio law experts say yes.

Ohio State parents sue university after Lawrence Tower mold forces students to move: Columbus Dispatch
Parents of more than 30 Ohio State University students have filed a lawsuit against the university after the students were exposed to mold in their dormitory during the fall semester.

Dierra Fields, who was body-slammed, arrested by Akron police, sues city, officers: Akron Beacon Journal
Dierra Fields, the woman who an Akron police officer body-slammed during a family argument in January 2024, has sued the city of Akron in federal court.

Another law firm offers options in wake of derailment: Lisbon Morning Journal
With residents becoming increasingly disgruntled with how the $600 million settlement with Norfolk Southern is playing out, another legal firm came to town this week to discuss individual action against the railroad for those who opted out of the class action lawsuit and to talk about remaining options for those who opted in.

Cost of defense nears $150,000 in Rowan Sweeney murder case: The Vindicator
What is the cost of justice?

U.S. district judge in opioid proceedings slams pharmacy middlemen, says they’re trying to stall: Ohio Capital Journal
The U.S. district judge in Cleveland, Ohio handling a galaxy of claims stemming from the prescription opioid epidemic on Monday reiterated his belief that powerful drug middlemen are trying to stall cases against them. 

History: Sister of ex-officer accused in Newark's first line-of-duty death testifies at murder trial: Newark Advocate
On Dec. 2, 1887, the trial of 27-year-old William Gorman for the murder of Newark police officer Thomas Roach Jr. continued with testimony from his 22-year-old sister Mary.

 

Jan. 10, 2025

Facing political headwinds, a major Ohio solar developer throws in the towel: Cleveland.com
Birch Solar, a 2,300 acre, 300-megawatt proposal that was vociferously opposed by Republican political power in northwest Ohio, is suspending development, its backers said in a court filing.

Appeals court sides with trial court in trench death lawsuit: Dayton Daily News
The Second District Court of Appeals recently sided with a Montgomery County Common Pleas Court judge in the dismissal of a civil lawsuit stemming from a June 2016 construction site incident in which a worker digging a trench was buried alive when the trench collapsed.

Columbia Station man pleads guilty to attempted murder of woman: WKYC
A Lorain County man has agreed to plead guilty to multiple charges connected to the stabbing of a woman at his Columbia Station home last year.

City hit with a ‘hostile’ work lawsuit: The Vindicator
Laura Morway, a former Youngstown assistant law director, filed a federal sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit against the city, its former law director and a current deputy law director contending she was fired in retaliation for complaining about a “hostile work environment.”

Lorain County Sheriff launches investigations into captain and former prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson: WOIO
Lorain County’s newly elected Sheriff is now investigating a corrections officer and captain, both accused of committing serious offenses.

Gov. DeWine signs 'Madeline's Law,' requiring insurance companies to cover hearing aids: Akron Beacon Journal
Insurance companies will now be mandated to cover the cost of hearing aids for those under 21 years old, under "Madeline's Law," which was signed by Gov. Mike DeWine on Jan. 2.

Ohio now has laws on drone usage after DeWine signs bill: Here’s what you can’t do: Dayton Daily News
Ohio now officially has its own rules regulating the use of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which will allow the state to charge Ohioans who operate drones recklessly, interfere with first responder activities, or commit other flying faux pas.

Suspended Atty Seeks To Avoid Prison Over Payroll Tax Fraud: Law 360
A suspended Ohio attorney who managed his wife's dental practice and admitted causing a $750,000 tax loss by failing to pay over employment taxes asked a federal court Thursday to spare him a prison sentence, saying he is not the "greedy liar" depicted by federal prosecutors.

Trump sentenced in his New York felony conviction in a historic first: NPR
President-elect Donald Trump received on an unconditional discharge for his criminal conviction in New York on Friday, meaning he will not face fines, prison, or any other penalties.

 

Jan. 9, 2025

Dave Yost continues five-year fight against records request at Ohio Supreme Court: Cleveland.com
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s five-year refusal to comply with a public records request from a progressive watchdog went before the Ohio Supreme Court for the third time on Wednesday.

Ohio Judge's License Reinstated Days After Retirement News: Law 360
A former Cleveland judge's license to practice was reinstated Wednesday following a one-year suspension on ethics charges stating he pushed plea deals on defendants, made racially insensitive comments to them and ordered excessive contempt sentences for relatively minor infractions, days after the judge announced his retirement.

Former controversial Cuyahoga judge allowed to practice law again, Ohio Supreme Court rules: Cleveland.com
A former Cuyahoga County judge who was kicked off the bench last year can return to the legal profession.

11th District Court of Appeals announces new leadership: Tribune Chronicle
The 11th District Court of Appeals has selected Judges Robert J. Patton and Eugene A. Lucci to serve in key leadership roles for 2025, effective Jan. 1.

Connie Pillich's first day as prosecutor: Changes at the top, snow closes office: Cincinnati Enquirer
A new era began Monday as Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich took office as the first Democrat elected prosecutor in nearly a century.

Murder trial postponed again; possible conflict in case cited: The Vindicator
Lynn Maro, whose first day as Mahoning County prosecutor was Monday, has a potential conflict of interest in the murder retrial of Robert L. Moore, 54, of Alliance, which was set to begin Monday, so Judge Maureen Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court canceled the trial during a hearing Wednesday.

South Side man, 68, gets 15 years in prison on rape counts: The Vindicator
David Merchant, 68, of East Philadelphia Avenue in Youngstown, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of rape of a child and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Cleveland grandfather avoids prison after pleading guilty in shooting of 10-year-old boy: WKYC
George Zatik Jr., the 66-year-old man who pleaded guilty to charges related to shooting his 10-year-old grandson in Cleveland last year, received his sentence on Wednesday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Probation for former Canton firefighter guilty of pandering sexual material involving child: WOIO
A former Canton firefighter was sentenced by Summit County Court of Common Pleas Judge Alison Breaux Wednesday to three years probation.

Ohio criminalizes sextortion after death of Olentangy High School student: Columbus Dispatch
Sextortion schemes that often target minors and caused the death of a suburban Columbus high school student are now illegal in Ohio.

Man wrongfully imprisoned for 15 years denies lying in lawsuit against Cleveland: Cleveland.com
A man who spent 15 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit denied accusations by Cleveland city attorneys that he repeatedly lied in court proceedings, including in his lawsuit against the city.

 

Jan. 8, 2025

At Ohio Supreme Court ceremony, Justice Joe Deters slams 'judicial activism': Cincinnati Enquirer
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Joe Deters was formally sworn in Tuesday as he begins the six-year term he was elected to in November.

Commissioners reject $300K for embattled Geauga County Judge Tim Grendell: Cleveland.com
Geauga County Commissioners on Tuesday shot down a request from embattled Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell for $300,000 in taxpayer money to cover attorneys’ fees for his disciplinary case and his appeal.

Night court rolls out first session in Warren: Tribune Chronicle
Warren Municipal Court inaugurated a new night court initiative on Tuesday to support individuals unable to attend regular court sessions because of work or family commitments.

Court rules in favor of Sheetz, against Centerville city council: Dayton Daily News
A Montgomery County Common Pleas Court today reversed Centerville City Council’s decision to deny Sheetz the ability to construct a 6,139-square-foot gas station and convenience store at the current site of an Elsa’s Restaurant on Far Hills Avenue.

City man, 51, sentenced for rapes of 12-year-old: The Vindicator
Leonard Sykes, 51, of Youngstown, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison Tuesday for raping a girl multiple times in August and September of 2022 when she was 12.

South End building owner convicted of violating nuisance ordinance: Toledo Blade
Toledo’s housing-court judge convicted an Oregon man Tuesday for violating the city’s nuisance code with a vacant commercial building he owns in Toledo’s Old South End, but deferred sentencing pending a potential sale of the property.

Man pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter for shooting in Swanton: WTOL
A man accused of shooting and killing another man in Swanton last spring has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter, according to a press release from the Fulton County Court of Common Pleas.

3 Canton teens plead 'not true' to murder charges tied to 2023 drive-by shooting: Canton Repository
Three teens charged in connection with the drive-by shooting death of a 35-year-old Canton man nearly two years ago entered pleas of "not true" to criminal charges in Stark County Family Court on Tuesday.

Trial begins Wednesday for 2 accused in I-77 shooting that left Akron man dead: Akron Beacon Journal
The trial of two Akron-area men charged in the deadly Interstate 77 shooting in Green begins Wednesday at 9 a.m.

MetroParks board president reappointed for 3 years: The Vindicator
Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert Rusu Jr. late last month reappointed Lee Frey to another three-year term as Mill Creek MetroParks board member. His term is Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2027.

 

Jan. 7, 2025

Canton congregation appeals to Ohio Supreme Court in fight over Timken Stables property: Canton Repository
A religious organization is now asking the state's highest court to intervene in its bid to keep its historic Timken Stables property.

New county prosecutor begins service with no major changes on her staff: The Vindicator
If anyone thought that Day 1 of Lynn Maro’s term as Mahoning County prosecutor would result in new lawyers filling the courtrooms of the Mahoning County Courthouse, they would be wrong.

Youngstown man goes to mental health court year after stabbing: The Vindicator
Kevin P. Kramer, 46, of Ridge Avenue, pleaded guilty Monday to an amended charge of aggravated assault, and his case will be handled by the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court’s Mental Health Court.

Mantua police officer sues sheriff after prosecution, 'psychological injury': Akron Beacon Journal
A year after a Mantua police officer faced child endangering charges that were later dropped, Officer Miranda Brothers has filed a lawsuit against the Portage County sheriff and the deputies who arrested her.

City to settle remaining claims from George Floyd protest: Toledo Blade
The city of Toledo is looking to settle the remaining claims brought forth by 16 individuals who allege Toledo police violated their civil rights with a brutal response to a George Floyd protest rally in 2020.

Judge grants early release for Stark County attorney who stole nearly $900K from clients: Canton Repository
A judge has granted early release to a former attorney imprisoned earlier this year for stealing from his clients.

 

Jan. 6, 2025

Appeals panel agrees Campbell man had no self-defense claim in murder: The Vindicator
At least a half dozen criminal cases in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court over the past year have involved the idea of self-defense — that a person killed or injured someone but only in self-defense.

Ohio AG appeal of decision striking down state’s six-week abortion ban moves to appellate court: Ohio Capital Journal
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s appeal of a decision to strike down the state’s six-week abortion ban is working its way through the system, now in the hands of the First District Court of Appeals.

Are property owners in Ohio liable for injuries on snow and ice-covered sidewalks?: WBNS
Tis the season for snow shoveling.

Outgoing clerk reflects: Tribune Chronicle
Karen Infante Allen’s tenure as Trumbull County Clerk of Courts has drawn to a close after 20 years of service.

'I was in a really bad place': Victim Assistance helps Greater Akron residents in need: Akron Beacon Journal
When tragedies hit, many victims may feel hopeless or may not know how to cope with what just happened.

Pike County massacre: Jake Wagner sentenced to prison, eligible for parole after 32 years: Cincinnati Enquirer
Throwing out an earlier agreement that would have imprisoned Edward "Jake" Wagner for the rest of his life without parole, the judge in the 2016 Pike County massacre case on Friday sentenced him to life in prison with a chance of parole after 32 years.

City man gets 10 years in assault of pregnant woman: The Vindicator
Rayvon V. Parker, 26, of North Bon Air Avenue on the city’s West Side, was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday after pleading guilty last month to two counts of attempted felonious assault and single counts of felony domestic violence, receiving stolen property, being a felon in possession of a firearm and assault for crimes committed against the mother of some of his children.

Franklin County records reveal special prosecutors' pay for Jason Meade, Ricky Anderson cases: Columbus Dispatch
The bill for Franklin County taxpayers for the special prosecutors handling two cases involving law enforcement officers charged with murder for on-duty shootings continues to climb as two trials are scheduled for 2025.

Fight over removal of suspected drugs from arrestee leaves Lorain hospital without police department, lawsuit says: Cleveland.com
A fight between a Lorain hospital and area law enforcement agencies has left the hospital operating without its police force.

 

Jan. 3, 2025

City police sergeant takes promotion beef to high court — again: The Vindicator
Michael R. Cox, a Youngstown police detective sergeant, is asking the Ohio Supreme Court for a third time to hear his case to force the city’s civil service commission to grant him a hearing to consider him for a promotion.

City woman’s murder conviction, sentence upheld: Tribune Chronicle
The Ohio 11th District Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction and 15-years-to-life prison sentence of a Warren woman involved in the death of another woman in November 2022.

Family Court Judge Jim James reflects on 41-year career, retirement: Canton Repository
Longtime Judge Jim D. James spent his last day on the bench as a Stark County Family Court judge, oddly enough, in Carroll County.

New Morrow County prosecutor credits time in Richland County: Mansfield News Journal
Andrew Wick's approach to practicing law changed in 2019 when his wife was the victim of an armed bank robbery.

Woman sentenced to prison in Riverside crash that killed Dayton veteran: Dayton Daily News
A woman accused of causing a Riverside crash in February 2024 that killed a Dayton veteran has been sentenced to prison.

Man charged in Brookfield murder, standoff faces judge: Tribune Chronicle
A man accused of fatally shooting a woman during a Dec. 20 standoff in Brookfield was arraigned Thursday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.

Summit County Animal Control facing civil suit for alleged 'unnecessary' cat euthanasia: Akron Beacon Journal
A national group that advocates for humane treatment of cats is accusing Summit County Animal Control of improperly euthanizing felines deemed "feral."

 

Jan. 2, 2025

Judges uphold negligence award for death of Columbiana coach: WFMJ
After a nearly four-year-old legal battle, a company that employs acute care physicians, along with one of its doctors, has been denied their appeal of a $7 million judgment for medical negligence awarded to the estate of a businessman and former youth baseball coach from Columbiana County, who passed away at the age of 53.

Lucas County's Judge Jennings retiring after 18-plus years on bench: Toledo Blade
Judge Linda Jennings needed little time to ponder the most heinous case to pass through her Lucas County Common Pleas courtroom during her 18-plus years on the bench.

What happened to Dr. Roxy? Here's the latest on lawsuits, her future and more: Columbus Dispatch
It's been more than a year since central Ohio's TikTok doc lost her medical license.

Man sentenced in Chill Can investment fraud scheme: WKBN
The man who pleaded guilty in Youngstown’s Chill Can debacle was sentenced Monday for an investment fraud scheme.

Pike County massacre: 4 Wagner family members due in court Friday: Cincinnati Enquirer
Four members of the Wagner family are set to appear in the Pike County Common Pleas Court on Friday.

Court hearing set in Canfield hazing lawsuit: WFMJ
A court hearing has been scheduled next week as two Canfield High School wrestlers seek to reverse a decision to suspend them from athletic competition for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season following an alleged hazing incident during a team trip to Florida in June 2024.

Third man charged in connection to Dayton Detective DelRio’s death sentenced to time served: Dayton Daily News
The third and final defendant charged in connection to the deadly shooting of Dayton police Detective Jorge “George” DelRio was sentenced to time served earlier this month, according to federal court records.

Dec. 30-31, 2024

HB 6 Updates: Challengers ask Ohio high court to rule on coal subsidies: Ohio Capital Journal
The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Energy Group asked the Ohio Supreme Court on Dec. 16 to reverse Ohio regulators’ rulings allowing millions of dollars in contested charges for two 1950s-era coal plants subsidized by House Bill 6.

Columbus-based appeals court says Ohio State students not entitled to COVID closure refund: Columbus Dispatch
An appeals court has determined that Ohio State University students are not able to get refunds for fees paid for in-person classes, in addition to other fees, after classes moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Appeals court rejects DNA plea from convicted killer: The Vindicator
The 7th District Court of Appeals has denied a request for DNA from bullet shell casings to be tested in an attempt to overturn the convictions of Columbus Jones, 36, who killed Jamail Johnson at a party on Indiana Avenue on Youngstown’s North Side on Feb. 6, 2011.

Geauga County judge’s quest for $300K in taxpayer money for attorneys in disciplinary case may be in peril: Cleveland.com
Geauga County Juvenile and Probate Judge Tim Grendell’s request for $300,000 in taxpayer money to pay his attorneys in a disciplinary case appears to be in peril.

Petition dismissal appealed: The Vindicator
Attorney Martin Desmond has appealed the November ruling by visiting Judge Mark Wiest in Desmond’s request for the judge to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Desmond’s allegations of wrongdoing by top Mahoning County officials.

Legal Aid grant to help with expunging criminal records: The Vindicator
Community Legal Aid will receive $210,000 in grant funding to provide legal services in record sealing and expungement for residents in recovery in Trumbull, Mahoning, Portage, Medina and Wayne counties.

Pike County murder trial: Jake, Angela to be sentenced days before final murder trial scheduled to begin: WCPO
After a flurry of court filings in the past month, a sentencing date has again been set for some members of the Wagner family, ahead of Wagner patriarch Billy's trial, according to court records in Pike County.

24-year-old man who set Euclid bar and restaurant on fire sentenced to 7 years in prison: WOIO
A Euclid man was sentenced to at least 7 years behind bars for setting a local restaurant on fire.

Man accused of attacking woman in Summit Metro Parks changes plea: WOIO
The attorney for the 32-year-old man accused of attacking a woman in the Summit Metro Parks filed a motion to change the plea from not guilty to not guilty by reason of insanity.

Historic building sparks lawsuit: Tribune Chronicle
A legal battle is unfolding in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court over the future of Park Place, a historic building located in Warren’s Downtown Historic District.

Prosecutor-elect Maro introduces team at swearing-in: The Vindicator
Longtime defense attorney Lynn Maro on Monday introduced the people she has selected to serve as her top assistants after she took the oath of office to serve as Mahoning County prosecutor early next month.

Lawsuit: County ended contract with Christian nonprofit over religious discrimination ban: Dayton Daily News
A Columbus nonprofit that helps survivors of human trafficking filed a lawsuit against the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services and the county commission over a decision not to renew a substitute care contract with the nonprofit.

Worthington notches legal win in protracted battle with Lifestyle Communities over UMCH site: Columbus Dispatch
A U.S. District Court judge has ruled against Lifestyle Communities in its effort to build homes and businesses on 38 acres along Worthington's north-south corridor, the city's largest remaining developable site.