Febraury 12, 2025

What does 'having sex' mean? Question focus of spousal rape case before Ohio Supreme Court: Columbus Dispatch
A test of Ohio's law against spousal rape and what requirements victim testimony must meet is going before the Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday.

Organized opposition and support become increasingly common in central Ohio solar projects: WOSU
Harvey Solar, a 350-megawatt solar project in Licking County, is awaiting a decision from the Ohio Supreme Court after an opposition group appealed its approval.

Two men convicted in 2023 murder of 3-year-old Luis Diaz: Cleveland.com
Two men were found guilty Tuesday of murder in the 2023 shooting death of 3-year-old Luis Diaz.

Riverside man sentenced to prison in cocaine, LSD, mushroom trafficking case: Dayton Daily News
A Riverside man accused along with a woman of trafficking cocaine and other illegal drugs has been sentenced to prison.

Crooksville man pleads guilty to raping child after rejecting original plea deal: Zanesville Times Recorder
A Crooksville man who recently rejected a plea deal in favor of going to trial in has again changed his mind.

Woman accused in North Olmsted child stabbing death ruled competent, trial date set: Cleveland.com
Bionca Ellis, the woman accused of fatally stabbing a 3-year-old boy in North Olmsted in June, is now competent to stand trial following inpatient treatment at a psychiatric clinic.

Licking County takes over sex abuse investigation involving family member of New Albany megachurch leaders: WBNS
A sexual abuse case connected to a New Albany megachurch has now been handed off to a third agency for investigation after two previous agencies reported conflicts of interest.

Febraury 11, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court hears arguments on whether cops get crime victim protections: Columbus Dispatch
The Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday heard arguments on a what may be a landmark government transparency case: Can the names of police officers hurt on duty be withheld from public disclosure?

High court to decide if police officers can be victims under Marsy's Law: Toledo Blade
The Ohio Supreme Court was asked on Tuesday to determine whether officers involved in police-related shootings are victims in the eyes of the Marsy’s Law bill of rights adopted by voters in 2017.

Harvard's justice lab to study Lucas County diversion program: WTOL
The Toledo Municipal Court is pushing for change in the criminal justice system through its diversion program. Now, that program is now getting attention from Harvard University.

Middletown man found guilty in shooting death of woman whose body was found in trash can: WCPO
A Middletown man has been found guilty of aggravated murder in the shooting death of Asiah Slone in a Yankee Road house last summer.

Beating death nets man prison term: Tribune Chronicle
A Trumbull County judge sentenced a man to the maximum penalty of 11 to 16.5 years in prison Monday for the involuntary manslaughter of Andrew Warner.

One man sentenced in shooting death; co-defendant opts for trial: Tribune Chronicle
A Warren man pleaded guilty Monday to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated burglary in the July 10 shooting death of Kardell Lowery, while his co-defendant rejected a plea deal and will proceed to trial.

Trial in fatal dog attack starts in Pickaway County: Columbus Dispatch
The trial of a mother and son whose two dogs killed their 73-year-old neighbor began in Pickaway County Common Pleas Court on Monday with jury selection and opening arguments.

Zanesville Attorney Honored with Silver Beaver Award for Scouting Service: AVC News
Muskingum County attorney Susan McDonald has been recognized as the 2024 recipient of the Silver Beaver Award by the Muskingum Valley Council for her dedication to scouting and youth development.

Columbus Council OKs $1.8 million settlement with former ATF agent tased by city officer: Columbus Dispatch
Columbus City Council has agreed to pay $1.8 million to settle a lawsuit filed by a former federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent whom Columbus police detained and tased in 2020.

Former Cincinnati City Councilman PG Sittenfeld loses appeal in bribery case: Cincinnati Enquirer
A federal appeals court has upheld former Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld's convictions on federal charges of bribery and attempted extortion.

Febraury 10, 2025

Are cops crime victims when they're attacked on duty? Ohio Supreme Court to decide: Columbus Dispatch
Police officers involved in shootings or other uses of force could have their names kept confidential if the Ohio Supreme Court decides a crime victims' rights provision in the state constitution applies to them.

East Cleveland legal tangle lands at Ohio Supreme Court; immigration and the Cuyahoga County Jail: Signal Cleveland
East Cleveland Council President Lateek Shabazz is suing to stop Probate Court Judge Anthony Russo from naming an interim mayor of the financially troubled suburb. 

Visiting judge assigned to hear cases involving explosion at Realty Building: WFMJ
A visiting judge has been assigned to hear several cases involving the explosion at the Realty Building in downtown Youngstown from May of 2024.

‘Do what’s right,’ prosecutor urges as jury begins deliberations in case of slain toddler: Cleveland.com
A jury on Friday began deliberating the fate of two men charged with aggravated murder in the shooting death of 3-year-old Luis Diaz whose mother prosecutors believe was the intended target of the assailants.

Man sentenced to prison for killing friend: WKBN
The Warren man who admitted to killing a friend he had been living with will spend at least a decade behind bars.

'A moment of immediate judgment': Son of WCPO meteorologist sentenced for couple's assault: Cincinnati Enquirer
The son of WCPO meteorologist Steve Raleigh was ordered to probation on Monday for assaulting a couple outside the Montgomery Inn Boathouse last summer.

Oklahoma man admits he asked Muskingum County 12-year-old to send him nude photos: Times Recorder
In September, local detectives found photos of a nude 12-year-old victim from Muskingum County on an Oklahoma man's phone.

Mom and son go to trial in dog attack that killed their neighbor in Pickaway County: Columbus Dispatch
The trial started today for a mother and son who pleaded not guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter charges for the dog-mauling death of their neighbor, Jo Echelbarger, 73.

Overmyer Lofts funding lawsuit returns to court without settlement: Toledo Blade
Lucas County’s civil lawsuit accusing the Overmyer Lofts developers of misusing public funds the county granted toward that project may be going back to the courtroom after being stayed for four months.

Febraury 7, 2025

Cuyahoga County has more than 1,500 court-involved kids in need of an advocate. Limited resources stand in the way: Signal Cleveland
For children entangled in the legal or foster care system, Child & Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County tries to match them to community volunteers to help advocate for the child’s best interest in cases of abuse and neglect.

Lake Milton man gets 7 years for sex assault: The Vindicator
Bruce D. Corlett, 66, of Harbor Avenue in Lake Milton, was sentenced to seven years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

Twin sisters plead guilty to felonious assault last March: The Vindicator
Twin sisters Andrea H. Springs and Lisa D. Springs, 21, both pleaded guilty to felonious assault Thursday in a March 2024 incident on Tyrell Avenue on the West Side in which shots were fired at a car containing six people, four of whom were children.

Murder trial for two accused of killing Cleveland toddler nears end: Cleveland.com
Prosecutors called their last witness Thursday in the trial of two of men charged in the shooting death of 3-year-old Luis Diaz.

Man on trial in Butler County for allegedly setting woman on fire in 2023: WCPO
The capital murder trial of a man accused of setting a woman on fire in 2023 in Butler County is underway.

Judge sets bond at $20 million for suspect in deadly New Albany warehouse shooting: WBNS
A man accused of fatally shooting two people and wounding four others inside a New Albany warehouse was given a $20 million bond in court on Thursday.

Ohio AG says he will act 'swiftly' if Columbus school board defies state bathroom law: Columbus Dispatch
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said he would "swiftly" respond with legal action against Columbus City Schools if the board chooses to defy state law over its transgender bathroom policy.

Confidential settlement reached in lawsuit over police shooting at Cleveland Giant Eagle: Cleveland.com
A man shot by an off-duty Cleveland police officer working security at a Giant Eagle has reached a confidential settlement in the case, court records say.

Federal court dismisses wrongful death suit against Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree: Akron Beacon Journal
A federal wrongful death lawsuit against Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree was dismissed this week and is expected to be refiled in state court as a malpractice case against medical agencies, not Fatheree.

Law firm plans move to The Delco amid ongoing lawsuit against Stratacache-tied LLC: Dayton Daily News
A prominent area law firm announced this week plans to move its Dayton offices from the city’s tallest office building, Stratacache Tower, to the historic and newly-renovated Delco building.

Febraury 6, 2025

Cuyahoga County to handle Youngstown murder appeal at Ohio Supreme Court: The Vindicator
The Ohio Supreme Court announced it will review a ruling by the 7th District Court of Appeals that ordered a new trial for Lavontae Knight in Knight’s conviction for killing Trevice Harris on Dec. 30, 2018, in Youngstown and wounding Harris’ girlfriend.

Betras says he can represent both defendants in murder case: The Vindicator
It’s unusual for co-defendants in a murder case to have the same attorney, but that was the case Wednesday as attorney Dave Betras told Magistrate Meghan Brundege of Youngstown Municipal Court that he is the attorney hired by Kenneth Carter, 34, and Terry Hopkins, 22, to defend them.

Max sentence for Cleveland man who killed girlfriend, pried her teeth out and put her body in school dumpster: Cleveland.com
A Cleveland man who said he tried to pry his live-in girlfriend’s teeth out after he killed her and used Pine-Sol to hide the odor of her body was sentenced to the maximum term in prison Wednesday.

Convicted child sex abuser gets 10-year prison sentence: The Vindicator
Thomas B. Spencer got the maximum of 10 years in prison Wednesday after a Mahoning County Common Pleas Court jury found him guilty Jan. 22 on two counts of gross sexual imposition for touching a girl while near a residential bonfire in Boardman in 2023.

Akron man pleads guilty to reduced charges in 2024 fatal shooting at apartment complex: WKYC
Isaiah McKinney, the 20-year-old Akron man who was set to face trial for the 2024 murder of Gregory Dykes Jr., has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge. 

WATCH LIVE: Day 2 of trial for a man accused of setting woman on fire in 2023: WCPO
Day two of the capital murder trial of a man accused of setting a woman on fire in 2023 in Butler County is underway.

Householder attorney: Bailout scheme 'everyday politics': Toledo Blade
Attorneys for former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and former state Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges on Wednesday urged a federal appeals court to overturn their racketeering convictions tied to passage of a $1.3 billion nuclear plant bailout law.

Febraury 5, 2025

Juvenile drug court: A clean slate for those who get clean: Cleveland.com
Shay celebrated five months of sobriety on Tuesday by graduating from Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court’s drug court program and having the drug-related charges that brought her there expunged.

Man, 83, pleads guilty in robbery: The Vindicator
Forrest B. Lytell, 83, of Austintown, who robbed an Austintown bank and was arraigned in common pleas court last week, pleaded guilty Tuesday to robbery and was accepted into Mahoning County Veterans Felony Honor Court.

Delay likely in Crump murder appeal: The Vindicator
There is likely to be a delay in the 7th District Court of Appeals ruling on whether to affirm the convictions and sentencing of Brandon Crump Jr. in the 2020 murder of 4-year-old Rowan Sweeney.

Criminal charges dismissed against LC4 employee: Toledo Blade
A magistrate has dismissed criminal charges against a Lucas County Canine Care & Control employee after the Sylvania prosecutor filed a motion saying the court does not have jurisdiction over the case.

Man arrested after breaking out of Ohio courthouse, fleeing in vehicle to Wood County: WTOL
Authorities arrested a Detroit man in Wood County after he broke out of an Ohio courthouse he was at for an arraignment hearing on Tuesday and fled in a vehicle on I-75.

Canton man sentenced to life for shooting, killing rapper at Columbus strip club: WBNS
A Canton man was given a life sentence for fatally shooting a Columbus rapper two years ago.

Columbus man sentenced to at least 25 years in connection to fatal shooting of 16-year-old: WBNS
A Columbus man was sentenced Tuesday to at least 25 years in prison for his role in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy nearly three years ago.

Four Men Sentenced to a Combined 71years in Prison: WHIZ
Judge Kelly Cottrill sentenced 24-year-old Jose Luis Rosa Perez of Chipley, Florida, 23-year-old Marcus K Lloyd from Morton, Missouri, 24-year-old Bryden Bibbins and 44-year-old Antonio Collins of Snow Hill, Maryland.

Trotwood man pleads guilty to reckless homicide in shooting, death of 18-year-old: Dayton Daily News
A Trotwood man has pleaded guilty to charges connected to the shooting death of 18-year-old Ja’Niyah Kurstin Hardy in October 2024.

Fired MetroHealth CEO Airica Steed sues hospital board: Signal Cleveland
Airica Steed, who became CEO of MetroHealth in December 2022 and was fired less than two years later, sued the public hospital’s board Monday.

Febraury 4, 2025

Trumbull County man's appeal found to have merit, court says: WFMJ
The 11th District Court of Appeals decided that Meko Howard's appeal holds some merit.

2 suspects in 2020 Moody Manor shooting get prison time; 3rd wants to go to trial: Toledo Blade
Two members of a street gang centered at a central Toledo public housing complex were sent to prison Monday for their roles in a fatal shooting there in 2020, while a third, alleged member opted Monday afternoon to take his case to trial.

Hubbard woman gets 6 months in jail for running over victim’s leg: The Vindicator
Judge Anthony D’Apolito sentenced Julynn Lespier, of Hubbard, to six months in the Mahoning County jail, three years of probation and ordered her to pay $10,110 in restitution to a woman who suffered serious injuries when Lespier ran over the other woman’s leg during an argument May 4.

Convicted copper thief sentenced for Columbiana County AT&T outage: WFMJ
A Rogers man has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for stealing copper wire, disrupting internet and phone service, including 911 dispatchers, in the Lisbon area last fall.

Former Ohio State cornerback admits strangling woman during alcohol-fueled argument: Columbus Dispatch
A former Ohio State University football player who became a third-round NFL draft pick pleaded guilty Monday to a felony charge for strangling a woman he knew.

Man accused of OVI crash that killed Greene County twp. trustee pleads guilty as charged: Dayton Daily News
A Franklin man has pleaded guilty as charged connected to a 2023 crash in West Carrollton that killed a Greene County township trustee.

New East Palestine lawsuit blames 2023 train derailment for deaths of 7 people: Canton Repository
A new lawsuit alleges at least seven people have died from the aftermath of the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine.

Man who bilked investors out of shipwreck gold won't be forced to tell treasure location: Columbus Dispatch
A treasure hunter who swindled central Ohio investors out of millions and refused to tell anyone where he stashed the gold he discovered had one prison sentence end as he begins another.

Former Columbus police officer receives probation for getting paid for unworked overtime: Columbus Dispatch
A former Columbus police officer received two years of probation after admitting to receiving pay for overtime he didn't work.

Febraury 3, 2025

Supreme Court declines 5 county cases: Tribune Chronicle
The Supreme Court of Ohio last week declined to accept jurisdiction of the appeals for five Trumbull County criminal cases, all of which had been rejected by the Ohio 11th District Court of Appeals.

Appeals court vacates $650 million opioid judgement for Lake, Trumbull counties: Cleveland.com
A federal appeals court on Friday vacated a $650 million judgement against three major pharmacy chains over the toll of the opioid crisis in Lake and Trumbull counties.

East Cleveland mayor to appeal suspension; Cleveland City Council members land national posts: Signal Cleveland
Brandon King isn’t done quite yet. A panel of retired judges has removed him as mayor of East Cleveland while he faces public corruption charges.

Youngstown urges Ohio Supreme Court to not accept officer’s hearing request: The Vindicator
Attorneys for Youngstown and its civil service commission told the Ohio Supreme Court that a request by a city police detective sergeant to compel the commission to grant him a hearing to consider him for a promotion is unwarranted.

Former Stow court administrator sues judge: Akron Beacon Journal
A former court administrator with the Stow Municipal Court has filed a civil case against the presiding judge and two local fiscal officers, saying that he is owed $54,498 in earned sick leave benefits.

Mixon Sentenced in Baby Death: WHIZ
Common Pleas Judge Kelly Cottrill handed down a 10-year sentence to 40-year-old Anthony Mixon.

Columbus man sentenced to 30 years in prison for fatal apartment complex shooting: Columbus Dispatch
A Columbus man who fatally shot another man and injured a woman in an Eastland area apartment complex parking lot will spend nearly 30 years in prison

Lawsuit alleges first deaths from disastrous 2023 train derailment in Ohio: Associated Press
A lawsuit alleging for the first time that people died because of the disastrous 2023 East Palestine train derailment has been filed ahead of Monday’s second anniversary of the toxic crash near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border amid a flurry of new litigation.

January 31, 2025

Who shot and killed a stray cat in Ashland?: WOIO
Do you know who shot and killed a stray cat in Ashland?

Jury finds Boardman man not guilty on all counts in rape trial: The Vindicator
A jury found Robert Baxa, 55, of Boardman not guilty on all counts Thursday in a rape trial that began with jury selection Monday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Falls man gets life without parole for child rape: Tribune Chronicle
A Newton Falls man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to three counts of child rape.

Sebring man sentenced after being found guilty of sexual conduct with a minor: Canton Repository
A Sebring man found guilty of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor will spend two years in prison.

Fairborn man sentenced in ‘horrific’ child abuse case of his daughter: Dayton Daily News
A Fairborn man has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in “a case of extreme child abuse” involving his own daughter, prosecutors said Thursday.

Lexington man sentenced to life without parole after double murder in Morrow County: Richland Source
A Lexington man was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Thursday after pleading guilty to two counts of aggravated murder, according to a press release from Morrow County prosecutor Andrew Wick.

Columbus man sentenced for trying to orchestrate killing from jail to avenge brother: Columbus Dispatch
Columbus man who prosecutors say attempted to have a person he believed responsible for his brother's death killed — including on recorded calls from the Franklin County jail — will spend more than 20 years behind bars.

Jury convicts man of woman's 2023 strangulation death: Toledo Blade
A jury convicted a Toledo man Thursday of aggravated murder and other charges arising from a woman’s stabbing and strangulation death in late 2023 for which DNA was the primary evidence linking him to the crime.

Bond records sealed in Kettering cold case homicide: Dayton Daily News
Court records were sealed this week for three documents concerning bail for a Centerville man accused of killing his girlfriend nearly 25 years ago in Kettering.

January 30, 2025

Rarely disclosed grand jury testimony could lead to dismissal of abuse, assault charges: Cincinnati Enquirer
A Blue Ash man charged with seriously harming his infant son – even though multiple doctors say that the child’s injuries resulted from a medical condition – is waiting for an appeals court to decide whether his attorney can see grand jury testimony that led to the indictment.

Probate Court to decide East Cleveland’s interim mayor after Brandon King is suspended from office: Cleveland.com
East Cleveland’s City Council President Lateek Shabazz said he should be next in line to serve as acting mayor after a panel of judges suspended Mayor Brandon King on Tuesday as he faces public corruption charges.

Speaker refers to Cuyahoga’s four Black councilmembers by N-word. Free speech law apparently protects it: Cleveland.com
In speaking out Tuesday night about Cuyahoga County’s investments in Israel amid the war on Gaza, Rev. Regis E. Bunch equated the white members of county council to slave owners and used the N-word to refer to council’s four Black members.

Pit Crew director files lawsuit claiming defamation, identity fraud: Toledo Blade
A series of Facebook jabs between the Lucas County Pit Crew’s executive director and a Lucas County Canine Care & Control employee is going offline.

Man gets nearly 10 years in prison for pointing gun at police, arson: Cleveland.com
A Tallmadge man who was accused of pointing a gun at police officers while leading them on a long chase has been sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison after he was found guilty of multiple charges.

Jury finds man guilty of lesser charges in Darke County double homicide: Dayton Daily News
A 41-year-old man accused of killing his Darke County housemates was found guilty of lesser charges following a trial.

Woman pleads guilty in fatal shooting of Cleveland toddler, trial for 2 men ongoing: WOIO
The jury trial for two men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a three-year-old Cleveland boy in the city’s Stockyards neighborhood in 2023, began Monday in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Shannon Gallagher.

Alleged 'newly discovered criminal conduct' being investigated in Ratliff case: Marion Star
Just days before the trial was to begin for a Marion City councilman facing unlawful sexual conduct allegations, a judge agreed to dismiss the charges in order for the prosecution to investigate potential "newly discovered criminal conduct."

January 29, 2025

State Supreme Court declines jurisdiction on Toledo lead ordinance: Toledo Blade
The Ohio Supreme Court Tuesday refused to hear an appeal of a judge's decision not to block Toledo's lead-safe certification law.

Justice R. Patrick DeWine Advocates for 'Original Public Meaning' Approach in Ohio Constitution Interpretation: Hoodline
Justice R. Patrick DeWine has taken a deep dive into the proper interpretation of the Ohio Constitution, making a case for an "original public meaning approach."

President Trump’s proposed funding freeze jeopardizes billions in cash for Ohio: Capitol Letter (Sixth Item): Clevleand.com
The Ohio Supreme Court declined to take up an appeal of a lawsuit wrapped up in the most recent battle for control of the Ohio House Republican caucus and its financial accounts.

East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King suspended from office: WEWS
A Special Commission of three retired judges has made the decision to suspend East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King from office on Tuesday.

Trump’s push to pause federal grants includes millions of dollars to Northeast Ohio law enforcement: Cleveland.com
Money for police officers in Maple Heights, and for technology to help extract cellphone data from criminal suspects, and for body camera upgrades.

Immigration attorney: Client legally in the US detained outside Columbus home, later released: WBNS
A Columbus immigration attorney said a client of hers for more than a decade was detained by immigration officials Monday but later released due to his legal status.

Former Hudson doctor sentenced to 8-12 years in prison for raping young woman in 2023: WOIO
The Summit County prosecutor confirmed a former Hudson doctor will spend the next 8-12 years in prison for rape and sexual battery.

Ex-deputy pleads guilty to improper use of database: The Vindicator
The attorney for Donald F. Belosic, 51, of Canfield, told Mahoning County Common Pleas Judge Anthony D’Apolito Tuesday that Belosic resigned from the sheriff’s office late last year and “will no longer be able to work in law enforcement” for improperly attempting to use a law-enforcement-only database in 2020.

City man pleads to beating death: Tribune Chronicle
A Warren man pleaded guilty Tuesday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of a man who died after being repeatedly beaten in the face during a violent altercation last year.

Man convicted in 2018 fatal College Hill shooting released after agreeing to plea deal: WCPO
A 37-year-old man convicted in a double homicide outside a College Hill bar in 2018 was released Tuesday.

Teen convicted of murder in 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old :WTOL
A Lucas County judge on Monday convicted a 17-year-old on a murder charge for the shooting death of 14-year-old Adrian Johnson in summer 2023.

Testimony begins in rape trial: The Vindicator
Marty Hume, assistant county prosecutor, told jurors in opening statements Tuesday in the rape trial of Robert E. Baxa, 59, of Boardman, that they should pay attention to three things when listening to the evidence.

Tootle family refiles lawsuit against Dayton Public Schools, former employee: Dayton Daily News
The family of an autistic, nonverbal child has re-filed a lawsuit against Dayton Public Schools and the paraprofessional who was caught on video last August hitting then three-year-old Braylen Tootle in the head and picking him up by his feet in a hallway as the child ran away from a classroom.

East Palestine settles with Norfolk Southern: The Vindicator
With the statute of limitations to file suit against Norfolk Southern for damages inflicted by the 2023 train derailment and subsequent chemical release less than a week away, East Palestine Council announced the village and the railroad reached a settlement.

January 28, 2025

People in recovery showcase their talents at "Art at its Fullest”: WLIO
"Art at its Fullest," an event that allowed those in recovery to show off their talent.

Clarence Thomas blasts Supreme Court for allowing retrial in hammer robbery case: Washington Examiner
The Supreme Court declined Monday to review a lower court ruling that overturned the conviction of David M. Smith, an Ohio man sentenced to 22 years for a brutal hammer attack, prompting a stern rebuke from Justice Clarence Thomas.

Judge grants Mercy Health injunction against 'Toledo For Kids' with two-day delay: Toledo Blade
A Lucas County judge tentatively granted Mercy Health’s motion for a temporary injunction against a joint venture between Nationwide Children’s Hospital and ProMedica involving Toledo’s two children’s hospitals after a daylong hearing Monday.

Delaware County woman sentenced for 'cruel' abuse of infants, children at in-home daycare: Columbus Dispatch
A Delaware County woman who ran an in-home daycare where several children, including infants, were injured will spend up to four decades behind bars.

Summit County prosecutor praises survivor's bravery as Akron man sentenced in teen rape case: WKYC
An Akron man will spend up to 10 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of rape against a teen girl, Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich announced in a release.

Man sentenced for murder of 11-year-old Nathan Sumner in 2021 double shooting: WTOL
A man was convicted and sentenced on Monday for shooting and killing 11-year-old Nathan Sumner in 2021 in north Toledo.

Man gets 6 to 7.5 years in shooting death: The Vindicator
Talim D. Mumin, 22, of Compass West Drive in Austintown, pleaded guilty Monday in the Sept. 8, 2023, shooting death of Vincent Tarver, 22, at the Compass West Apartments and got 6 to 7 1/2 years in prison.

Last 2 men sentenced in Harrison Twp. break-ins, gun thefts: Dayton Daily News
The final two defendants accused in break-ins at a Harrison Twp. house last year where guns were stolen have been sentenced.

'Really scared:'' Woman reported Joe Jones pushed her during 2021 council campaign. Special prosecutor didn’t bring charges: Signal Cleveland
A special prosecutor tapped by the City of Cleveland in 2022 declined to charge Council Member Joe Jones with a crime after a woman told police that he grabbed her arm and pushed her while she was handing out political flyers.

Trial begins for man accused of 2023 murder: Toledo Blade
DNA under the fingernails of murder victim Michelle Borer matched that of Anthony Mitchell, a state forensics expert testified Monday as Mitchell’s trial got under way in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor announces 16-person transition team for office: Columbus Dispatch
Three weeks after taking office, Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor has announced a 16-person transition team to help her define the key priorities of her tenure.

Canton settles sewer backup lawsuit for $98,500: Canton Repository
Canton will pay $98,500 to settle a 2023 lawsuit that accused the city of denying its responsibility to fix damage after 8 feet of raw sewage and water backed up into a building for recovery support services.

Former worker sues TCAP for discrimination: Tribune Chronicle
A longtime employee of the Trumbull Community Action Program (TCAP) has filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was wrongfully terminated because of her age and disability.

January 27, 2025

Rankey granted alternative writ by court: Delaware Gazette
An Ohio Supreme Court justice has granted an alternative writ and set a new schedule in the ongoing legal dispute between Delaware County Treasurer Donald Rankey and the county.

Rowan’s killer seeks new trial: The Vindicator
The appeal of Brandon Crump Jr.’s convictions and sentence in the 2020 killing of 4-year-old Rowan Sweeney states Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony D’Apolito erred in allowing jurors to see “over 100 gruesome and repetitive photographs” of the crime scene and that they unfairly prejudiced the jury, which found Crump guilty of aggravated murder and other offenses.

Sex offender gets 22 years to life in attempted Springfield bike path rape: Dayton Daily News
A Springfield man was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for attacking a woman on the Simon Kenton bike trail in May last year.

Trial to begin for 3 people charged in the murder of a Cleveland toddler: WOIO
The jury trial for two men and one woman charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a three-year-old Cleveland boy in the city’s Stockyards neighborhood in 2023, is scheduled to begin Monday in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Shannon Gallagher.

Ex-Canfield resident sues over derailment in East Palestine: The Vindicator
A former Canfield property owner became the latest to file a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern over the Feb. 3, 2023, train derailment and chemical incident, seeking more than $1 million in damages.

Cruel and unusual? Supreme Court declines to review Mississippi voting ban for convicted felons: USA Today
The Supreme Court declined Monday to decide whether a permanent voting ban on people convicted of felonies in Mississippi is cruel and unusual punishment.

January 24, 2025

Retired Warren County judge Fedders, pillar of Franklin community, dies at 87: Dayton Daily News
Judge P. Daniel Fedders, who served for 32 years on the Warren County Common Pleas Court bench, died Monday.

Garfield Heights Municipal Courthouse crumbling away, hundreds of criminal records destroyed: WOIO
Conditions at a local courthouse have gotten so bad that employees don’t feel safe going to work.

Ohio woman who fatally shot abusive boyfriend sentenced for reckless homicide: Columbus Dispatch
A woman who said she shot and killed her boyfriend after being physically abused will spend more than five years in prison.

Woman sentenced to life in prison for murder at Akron bar: WKYC
Gladys Ingersoll, 24, was sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murder of Chyna Shepard at the Oasis Surf and Turf Bar in Akron.         

Columbus man who killed carryout owner during 2023 robbery spree gets life in prison: Columbus Dispatch
A Columbus man who fatally shot an East Side carryout owner during a robbery spree in 2023 will spend decades behind bars.

Firearm, drug charges net man prison term: Tribune Chronicle
A 24-year-old Warren man, who previously served an 11-month prison term for a gun charge in 2023, was sentenced Thursday to 10 to 13.5 years in prison on multiple felony charges in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.

Woman pleads guilty to aggravated assault: The Vindicator
A Hubbard woman pleaded guilty Thursday to a reduced charge of aggravated assault for a May 4 incident in Youngstown in which she ran over the leg of a woman, causing serious injuries.

Columbus city attorney sues east side apartment complex after lack of heat forced residents to vacate: WBNS
The City of Columbus filed a lawsuit against the owners of an apartment complex where dozens of residents were forced to vacate because of a lack of heat during subzero temperatures this week.

January 23, 2025

Appeals court upholds inmate’s sentence: Tribune Chronicle
The Ohio 11th District Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a Trumbull County judge’s decision to dismiss the appeal of a death row inmate convicted in 2014 for aggravated murder and other charges.

Supreme Court case to impact central Ohio cases involving officers: WBNS
A case being heard at the United States Supreme Court Wednesday could have a big impact in central Ohio.

Why did Cleveland and the Browns file separate lawsuits in different courts?: Cleveland.com
Judges overseeing dueling lawsuits in courthouses blocks away from Huntington Bank Field could determine whether the Cleveland Browns remain in their downtown stadium or head southwest to Brook Park.

Murder nets man 15 to life: The Vindicator
R’Trell D. Miller, 23, of Reed Avenue in Campbell, pleaded guilty to murder Wednesday and was sentenced to the only punishment he could get — 15 years to life in prison — in the Oct. 5 beating death of James Mszanski, 76.

Ohio mother who caused brain injuries in 7-week-old daughter that led to death sentenced: Columbus Dispatch
Two years after a mother called Columbus police about her 7-week-old daughter not breathing, that woman has been sentenced for causing the girl's death.

Warren man, 20, nets 10 years for child sex abuse: Tribune Chronicle
A Warren man who was arrested during a raid of his Oak Street SW residence was sentenced to 10 years to life for rape and child sex abuse crimes.

Vandalia man sentenced to prison for child sexual abuse material on Google cloud: Dayton Daily News
A Vandalia man who pleaded guilty to having child sexual abuse material on his Google cloud has been sentenced to prison.

Carlisle man accused of damaging former church found not guilty by reason of insanity: Dayton Daily News
A Carlisle man who was accused of causing major damage to a former church in Harrison Twp. recently featured on “Scariest House in America” TV show has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Retrial possible for 2 men accused in deadly shooting on I-77 in Summit County: WOIO
The trial against two of the three men accused in the deadly shooting on I-77 in Green in August 2023 has concluded with a hung jury.

January 22, 2025

Retired judge to hear city’s lawsuit: The Vindicator
The Ohio Supreme Court chief justice appointed W. Wyatt McKay, a retired Trumbull County Common Pleas Court judge, to hear Youngstown’s $834,608 civil lawsuit against ex-city Finance Director David Bozanich, property developer Dominic Marchionda and two of the latter’s companies.

Perrysburg Municipal court may be getting computer software update: Toledo Blade
Perrysburg Municipal court may be getting a nearly $100,000 computer software update later this year.

'Tired of being tired': Transgender attorney announces run for Cincinnati City Council: Cincinnati Enquirer
Sol Kersey is "tired of being tired" and of their "existence being political" so they decided to do something about it.

Jury convicts Cleveland man in crash that killed 68-year-old woman: Cleveland.com
A Cuyahoga County jury convicted a Cleveland man Tuesday of causing the death of a woman after he crashed his speeding car into an apartment building, setting off an explosion.

New prosecutor to handle courtroom duties in 2023 case: The Vindicator
The next time Lynn Maro and John Juhasz try a case together it will be with Maro as the newly elected prosecutor and Juhasz as her chief of the criminal division of the county prosecutor’s office.

Bryan pastor who operated church shelter found guilty of fire code violation: WTOL
The Bryan, Ohio, pastor who operated his church as a shelter has been found guilty of a criminal misdemeanor, more than a year after a lengthy legal battle with the city began.

Ex-Columbus police officer pleads guilty to turning off body cam while having sex on duty: Columbus Dispatch
A former Columbus police officer pleaded guilty to federal charges that accused him of turning off his body camera during interactions with women.

Ohio AG joins three other states in lawsuit to keep certain immigrants out of census counts: Ohio Capital Journal
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has joined Ohio with three other states in a federal lawsuit seeking to keep certain immigrants from being counted in the U.S. Census including those in the country illegally and those with temporary visas.