May 2, 2024

Ohio Supreme Court sides with ex-Whirlpool employee in workers’ compensation case: Cleveland.com
The state Supreme Court ruled against Whirlpool Corp. and for its former employee Wednesday, boosting his chances of prevailing on a workplace injury compensation claim.

Area students head to court: Tribune Chronicle
The halls of various courtrooms across Trumbull County were filled Wednesday with students from local high schools looking to gain first-hand insights into the county’s legal system.

Artists turn inward to help heal others in prosecutor’s art show: The Vindicator
Gino Moffo has suffered his share of trauma, but hope and nature — along with a desire to reach out to others who have undergone a traumatic event — have placed him on the road to healing.

Two commissioners discuss lawsuit filed by colleague: Tribune Chronicle
Two of Trumbull County’s three commissioners met privately Wednesday to consult with their lawyers in connection to a lawsuit filed against them by the third commissioner and a group called Open Government Advocates.

Akron woman gets life sentence for Canton man's murder in 2023: Akron Beacon Journal
A 28-year-old woman could spend the rest of her life in prison for killing a man who lived in the city's southwest section.

Ohio jury convicts man who caused first day of school bus crash that killed 11-year-old: Columbus Dispatch
The man who was behind the wheel of a minivan that caused a Clark County school bus to overturn Aug. 22 with 52 students inside, killing one and injuring more than 20 others, was found guilty Wednesday of multiple felonies.

Second murder defendant in boys' deaths enters sealed plea: Toledo Blade
One of four adults alleged to be in the supporting cast for the late 2022 disappearances and deaths of two teenage boys pleaded guilty to undisclosed charges Wednesday morning in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

17-year-old girl convicted in deadly hit-and-run charged with assaulting Cleveland police officer: WOIO
A Cleveland teenager involved in a hit-and-run drag racing crash that took a young couple’s life is back in the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center. Juvenile court records show the 17-year-old girl was arrested for assaulting a Cleveland police officer last week.

Middletown man sentenced to 10 years in prison after distributing fentanyl that killed someone: WCPO
Three lives have been forever changed and countless others have been impacted after a drug overdose in Middletown.

Prosecutor labels former cop ‘prolific serial rapist’: Tribune Chronicle
Former Warren police officer Michael Edwards Jr. faced his third arraignment in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Wednesday, with court documents filed by the prosecutor in the case accusing him of possibly being “the most prolific serial rapist in Trumbull County history.”

Toledo and Lucas County Commissioners sue U.S. EPA: Toledo Blade
Local officials on Wednesday took another strike at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in an ongoing effort to try and fight Lake Erie pollution.

Judge tosses lawsuit over fatal shooting of Arthur Keith by CMHA police: Cleveland.com
A federal judge on Wednesday tossed out a lawsuit over the fatal shooting of Arthur Keith by a Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority police officer.

 

May 1, 2024

Ohio FOP asks State Supreme Court to revise juvenile justice rule as crime affects communities: WXIX
The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police submitted a letter to Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy on Monday in hopes of changing a rule regarding the juvenile justice system in the state.

Canfield car dealer granted early release from prison: The Vindicator
A businessman was expected to be released Tuesday from an Ohio prison after a judge granted judicial release, cutting more than five years off of his 13-year prison sentence for defrauding customers of the Canfield business he ran, Reinthaler’s Auto Village Inc.

Jury delivers guilty verdict in shooting: Tribune Chronicle
After an hour of deliberations, a Youngstown man was found guilty in the shooting of a Hazelwood Avenue SE man last year.

Paulding County man sentenced to life imprisonment in double murder case: The Crescent-News
A Paulding County man has been sentenced here to life imprisonment in connection to the 2022 murder of a Broughton couple.

Struthers man sentenced for child porn images: The Vindicator
A lot of times, the words used to describe child pornography can mask just how horrifying the images and videos depicted truly are.

'It's not about murder': Akron man argues he shot, killed Dominic Gray in self-defense: Akron Beacon Journal
For attorney Adam VanHo, the murder trial of his 21-year-old Akron client does not come down to who shot and killed Dominic Gray last September.

Minivan driver in fatal school bus crash testifies in his defense: Dayton Daily News
The minivan driver who crossed the center line of Route 41, striking a Northwestern school bus, killing one student and injuring dozens more last summer, testified Wednesday he did not have an Ohio driver’s license and the sun in his eyes caused the crash.

Attorneys frustrated with discovery efforts in $72M fraud case: Toledo Blade
The court case for those charged in a Ponzi scheme that allegedly bilked at least 200 people out of $72 million and resulted in eight people charged in a 204-count indictment one year ago continued its laborious pace through Lucas County Common Pleas court on Tuesday.

Cuyahoga County pays $450,000 to settle two lawsuits over overtime payments to employees: Cleveland.com
Cuyahoga County has agreed to pay $450,000 to settle two lawsuits that accused officials of failing to pay overtime to jail officers and employees of juvenile court.

McDonald woman settles sexual harassment suit against Mahoning County Sheriff's Deputy: WFMJ
An order filed by U.S. District Judge Benita Pearson has dismissed the civil suit filed by Vanessa White alleging that Deputy Edward Maloney made inappropriate comments to her, made physical advances to her, and sexually assaulted her while he was supervising her while she performed community service ordered by a court.

 

April 30, 2024

Appeal denied for Warren man convicted of wounding 9-year-old with stray bullet: WFMJ
The appeal of a Warren man who was convicted in 2023 of wounding a nine-year-old girl with a stray bullet while she was sleeping has been denied by Ohio's 11th District Court of Appeals.

Judge sends 4 to prison for fatal New Year’s Eve shooting: Cleveland.com
A teen male was sentenced to life in prison and three other males also received multiple years in prison for their roles in the slaying of a man on New Year’s Eve at a home in the city’s Kenmore neighborhood.

Domestic violence victim doesn’t show, but defendant pleads guilty: The Vindicator
A domestic violence victim refused to come to court Monday to testify against her attacker, setting up the possibility that the defendant could walk free.

Member of Tuscarawas County Board of Elections fined $200 for role in sales tax case: Times Reporter
A member of the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections has been fined $200 and ordered to serve five days in jail after pleading no contest Monday to charges of failure to pay sales taxes related to his Sugarcreek business.

Trial begins against man accused of causing deadly school bus crash: WDTN
The trial of the man accused of causing a deadly school bus crash last August began Monday with the seating of the jury.

'Chad knows what's right:' Document says father carried Bible, mumbled before killing sons: Cincinnati Enquirer
Chad Doerman paced his house carrying a Bible and mumbling, "Chad knows what's right," before killing his three sons, according to new documents filed by prosecutors.

Cuyahoga County committee to examine how justice system is working for kids here: Signal Cleveland
Cuyahoga County Council recently appointed some big players to an advisory committee that is supposed to help bring more accountability to the juvenile justice system.

This prison visitation program connects incarcerated people with everyday residents to break stereotypes: Signal Cleveland
People who serve time in prison are less likely to re-offend and return if they have a connection to the community when they’re released. 

Cleveland police officer pleads guilty to federal child pornography charges: Cleveland.com
A Cleveland police officer admitted Monday to federal charges that accused him of downloading more than 1,000 videos and photos of child pornography.

 

April 29, 2024

Former Marion County Judge found in contempt by Ohio Supreme Court: Crawford County Now
In a recent development, the Ohio Supreme Court found former Marion County Common Pleas Court Judge Jason Warner in contempt.

Appeals court throws out conviction of Euclid officer who beat motorist during 2017 traffic stop: Cleveland.com
An appeals court has thrown out Euclid police officer Michael Amiott’s 2022 misdemeanor convictions for beating a Black motorist during a traffic stop.

Judge holds monthly pro-bono clinics to help with legal needs: WOIO
The legal process can be overwhelming but a judge has set up free legal help once a month for civil cases.

Larry Householder won’t have to wait in Cuyahoga County jail for his trial on state bribery charges: Cleveland.com
Larry Householder, the former speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives who was convicted in federal court of running a $60 million corruption and bribery scheme to benefit FirstEnergy Corp., will not have to sit in the Cuyahoga County Jail as he awaits his trial on state charges tied to the scheme.

East Cleveland mayor gets an out from lawsuit seeking to oust him: Signal Cleveland
East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King was likely spared last week from an unusual court case that sought his removal from office. 

Clerk considers auto title office in suburb: The Vindicator
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts Dan Dascenzo is working on possibly opening another auto title office to provide better service to residents of the central part of the county.

Columbus firefighter guilty in causing July 2023 fatal crash while driving fire truck: Columbus Dispatch
A Columbus firefighter was found guilty Monday of vehicular manslaughter for causing a fatal crash while driving a fire truck.

Window for suspension shrinks as Stow Judge Kim Hoover awaits decision on his appeal: Akron Beacon Journal
Nearly a year has passed since the Ohio Supreme Court heard Stow Municipal Court Judge Kim Hoover's appeal of a state investigative panel's decision to penalize him for judicial misconduct.

 

April 26, 2024

Ohio Supreme Court pulls Westlake lawyer’s license after finding he groped 18-year-old after giving her alcohol: Cleveland.com
A Westlake attorney who pleaded guilty to assaulting an 18-year-old woman after giving her and two other young women alcohol in his home had his law license suspended on Thursday.

Ohio attorney arrested in Columbiana County sex sting: WKBN
Agents with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force arrested an attorney seeking to buy sex during an undercover operation in Columbiana County, according to a press release by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

State challenges Steve Kent’s assertions in appeal: The Vindicator
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which prosecuted former Poland Township police officer and former Austintown Township Trustee Steve Kent, has filed its response to Kent’s appeal of his tampering-with-evidence conviction.

Judge: Fewer juveniles jailed in Mahoning County: WFMJ
While we often hear stories about the worst cases of violence, the number of kids being charged with gun crimes in Mahoning county has actually dropped dramatically.

Unforgiven: Performances highlight the struggles of the formerly incarcerated: Signal Cleveland
After a promising job interview, Jack meets with the human resources manager to get his paperwork set for his first day on the job.

Former Bowling Green High School strength coach guilty of rape, sexual battery: Toledo Blade
A jury found a former high school strength coach, who was accused of rape and sexual battery, guilty of all but one of the 21 charges he faced.

Columbus man found not guilty in 2021 Arena District shooting he said was in self-defense: Columbus Dispatch
A Columbus man accused of fatally shooting another man in the Arena District more than three years ago is now a free man.

Niles mayor’s bid for a protection order under review after testimony concludes: Tribune Chronicle
Niles Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz’s hearing to seek a protection order against Niles resident and former mayoral candidate George “Geo” Kuriatnyk adjourned Wednesday, and the court will now further review the matter before making a final determination.

Five years on, progress stalls on new Franklin County Municipal Courthouse as costs rise: Columbus Dispatch
In May 2019, Columbus voters approved a $130-million bond issue earmarked to construct a new Franklin County Municipal Courthouse on the site of a Downtown park across the street from the current 1979 facility, saying construction could begin by 2022.

Takeover of ‘nightmare’ Downtown KeyBank tower could be coming thanks to latest lawsuit: WCMH
As multiple tenants abandon ship at a Downtown Columbus skyscraper due to “nightmare” conditions, the property’s owner has been hit with a foreclosure.

Youngstown board of control to resolve 2 lawsuits with $520,000: The Vindicator
The city’s board of control today will approve settling two lawsuits — paying $440,000 to a student-housing complex for water improvements and $80,000 and other financial considerations to the owners of the former Anthony’s on the River building.

Cleveland-Cliffs CEO accuses analyst of libel in latest lawsuit against anonymous attacks: Cleveland.com
Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves has sued a stock analyst, accusing him of posting anonymous online comments that urged people to sell the steel giant’s stock and said Goncalves acts like “a mafia boss.”

April 25, 2024

Scenes from Ohio Supreme Court ‘Off-Site Court’ session: The Telegram
The Ohio Supreme Court held its 83rd Off-Site Court session on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Co-chair of Judge4Yourself group resigns after state GOP leader blasts anti-Trump Facebook posts: Cleveland.com
A former longtime judge and leader in Democratic circles in Cuyahoga County resigned Wednesday as co-chair of a group of local bar associations that rates judicial candidates after the head of the Ohio GOP criticized her social media posts.

Former Richland County corrections officer found not guilty over inmate's death: WEWS
A jury found a former Richland County corrections officer not guilty of the death of Alexander Rios after deliberating for two-and-a-half hours Wednesday.

Bedford Heights man pleads guilty to killing brother: WOIO
A 20-year-old Bedford Heights man pleaded guilty to fatally shooting his brother in October 2023.

Boardman couple going to prison after toddler ate THC laced brownie: WFMJ
A Boardman couple, convicted of child endangering after her daughter ate a THC-laced brownie, is going to prison.

Teen gets probation in Wyoming High School sex assault case: Cincinnati Enquirer
One of the three students accused of sexually assaulting a classmate at Wyoming High School was sentenced to probation Wednesday.

How does Ohio's breastfeeding jury duty exemption benefit families and the judicial process?: WTOL
A new jury duty exemption has been added here in Ohio.

Survivors of sexual violence gather in Courthouse Square to support Denim Day: Tribune Chronicle
On Wednesday, denim became a symbol of solidarity as survivors of sexual violence and supporters of victims around the world wore their favorite jeans to commemorate 25 years of Denim Day.

Ohio lawmakers eliminate 'archaic' marital rape loophole after years-long fight: Columbus Dispatch
Ohio lawmakers voted Wednesday to criminalize marital rape in all situations, ending a years-long fight over a law that critics cast as archaic and harmful to survivors.

Ex-Cuyahoga County Jail inmate whose fingers were amputated settles lawsuit for $300,000: Cleveland.com
A former Cuyahoga County Jail inmate who spent a week in a coma and had two fingers partially amputated settled his lawsuit against the county and MetroHealth Medical Center for $300,000.

Salon owner given nearly 4 years in prison for trying to burn down competing salon: WCPO
A woman who owned a nail salon will now spend 46 months in prison for attempting to set a competing nail salon on fire, according to federal prosecutors.

 

April 24, 2024

Ohio Supreme Court to hear open meetings lawsuit centered on Stark County voting machines: Canton Repository
The Ohio Supreme Court will hear arguments today on whether the Stark County Board of Elections violated the state's Open Meetings Act in 2020 and 2021 by meeting privately to decide whether to buy Dominion voting machines.

‘Can and should do much better’: Cleveland’s police reform progress grinds to a halt, monitor says: Cleveland.com
Instead of pushing toward court-ordered police reform, Cleveland officials over a six-month span last year chose “delay and legal squabbles” that hindered efforts to better the department, according to the court-appointed monitor.

Eviction filings at 20-year high in Columbus, Franklin County and set to worsen. See why: Columbus Dispatch
Keaira Sullens has seen many of her neighbors given notice to vacate their apartments at her complex on Columbus' South Side.

Former state trooper sentenced in vehicular homicide: Tribune Chronicle
A former Pennsylvania state trooper faced sentencing Tuesday for the vehicular homicide of 23-year-old Tyler Richmond.

Testimony begins in trial of presumed 2009 killing in Mahoning County: The Vindicator
Opening statements in the Robert L. Moore murder trial laid bare facts the prosecution and defense would have preferred the jury not hear as the trial resumes today.

Youngstown businessman faces two counts of child-sex charge: The Vindicator
Cipriano Ruiz, 45, of Dearborn Avenue, went on trial Tuesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on two counts of gross sexual imposition, and is accused of touching a child under 13 years old.

2nd trial begins for suspect in 2017 double killing in Ravenna: Ravenna Record-Courier
More than six years after a jury convicted Javon Thomas in the shooting deaths of two men in a Ravenna apartment, another jury is now hearing his case.

Jury trial continued for Cleveland man accused of killing Cleveland Clinic employee in 2019: WOIO
The jury trial for a 23-year-old man accused in the 2019 murder of a Cleveland Clinic employee, began Monday in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Nancy Margaret Russo with jury selection.

14th Congressional District Democratic nominee facing felony tells court he cannot afford lawyer: Tribune Chronicle
Brian Bob Kenderes, the Democratic nominee in the 14th Congressional District who faces a felony count of filing a false voter registration, submitted an affidavit saying he is indigent and cannot afford a lawyer.

Attorney: Bond modified for Kettering music teacher accused in child porn case: Dayton Daily News
A judge has ruled a suspended Kettering City Schools music teacher facing felony charges involving child pornography can seek work, according to his defense attorney.

U.S. Supreme Court will decide if states can ban ER abortions. What does it mean for Ohio?: Cincinnati Enquirer
The U.S. Supreme Court will soon decide whether a federal law requiring hospitals to provide emergency treatment overrides states' abortion restrictions.

 

April 23, 2024

Developer Rob Smyjunas wins more money from The Port over Millennium Hotel deal: Cincinnati Enquirer
The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority lost another legal fight with local developer Rob Smyjunas in a decision Tuesday from the Ohio Supreme Court.

AG Yost files emergency motion to narrow injunction on Ohio House Bill 68: WBNS
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost on Monday filed an emergency motion in the Supreme Court of Ohio on House Bill 68.

Joe Mixon’s sister sentenced for her role in teen’s shooting outside former Bengals’ house: WXIX
The sister of Joe Mixon pleaded guilty to a charge stemming from a shooting outside of the former Cincinnati Bengals player’s house in 2023.

Warren mother pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter after child dies of methadone ingestion: WFMJ
A Warren mother has pled guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter after her one-year-old son died of a drug ingestion.

Judge denies test of shell casing from North Side murder in 2011: The Vindicator
Judge John Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court has ruled against a request by Ohio inmate Columbus Jones, 35, for DNA testing on bullet cartridges collected during an investigation of the Feb. 6, 2011, killing of Jamail E. Johnson at a party on Indiana Avenue on the North Side.

Opening statements set in cold case trial: The Vindicator
Opening statements will be given at 9 a.m. today in the oft-postponed murder trial of Robert L. Moore on a murder charge in the 2009 disappearance and presumed murder of Glenna J. White, 16, of Alliance.

Catholic Charities should pay slain Cleveland boy’s family $81 million, lawyer tells jury: Cleveland.com
A lawyer representing the family of a 4-year-old boy whose body was found buried in his mother’s backyard in 2017 asked jurors on Monday to order Catholic Charities to pay $81 million for its failure to supervise an employee who lied about conducting in-person visits to the boy’s home in the months before his death.

Ohioans say Petland sold them sick puppies. Lawmakers are trying to do something about it: Cincinnati Enquirer
Days after Macey Mullins took home her Jack Russell terrier, June, she noticed the puppy was urinating frequently and drinking an excessive amount of water.

 

April 22, 2024

Court cases of intimidation, retaliation soar in Mahoning County: The Vindicator
In the sports world, the idea that a person can intimidate his opponent through fear is a good thing. Intimidation on a football or baseball field is a characteristic that helps teams win championships.

DeWine selects Natale for Warren Municipal Court bench: Tribune Chronicle
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday the appointment of Natasha K. Natale to the Warren Municipal Court bench.

Judge temporarily halts Ohio law to keep Columbus, other cities from regulating tobacco: Columbus Dispatch
A Franklin County judge issued a temporary restraining order late Friday afternoon, stopping a state law from taking effect next week that would prevent Columbus, several Franklin County suburbs, Cincinnati and other Ohio cities from regulating tobacco products.

Woman gets life in prison for shooting, killing man following argument: Cleveland.com
An Akron woman who pleaded guilty to shooting and killing a man following an argument has been sentenced to life in prison.

Campbell man found guilty of murder: The Vindicator
A jury on Friday found Mekhi Venable guilty of murder in the 2022 shooting death of Jacob Moore.

Court roundup: Men sentenced for fatal shootings at Italian Village club, Sheetz station: Columbus Dispatch
Two men connected to fatal shootings learned their fates in Franklin County courts, and a teen who accidentally shot his friend will remain in custody for the foreseeable future.

Former CPD officer accused of killing Donovan Lewis expected in court: WSYX
A former Columbus police officer charged with murder is due in court Monday.

Canfield man who stole running car gets out of prison early: WFMJ
A Canfield man sentenced for injuring someone trying to stop him from stealing his car is being released from prison two years before completing his sentence.

Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office Hosts Educational Training Day for Area Seniors: WHIZ
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month.

Richland County commissioners OK design contract for fourth courtroom: Richland Source
Richland County commissioners on Thursday approved a design contract that will lead to a fourth courtroom for the Common Pleas general division judges.

7 local government officials across Ohio reprimanded for violating Ohio ethics law in 2023: Dayton Daily News
Every year, the Dayton Daily News uses Ohio public records laws to obtain settlement agreements from the Ohio Ethics Commission.

‘NBA2K’ makers win in lawsuit against Cleveland Heights tattoo artist over LeBron James’ inks in video games: Cleveland.com
A jury on Friday sided with the makers of the popular video game series “NBA2K” over its use of two tattoos inked on LeBron James by a Cleveland Heights tattoo artist.