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.

 

April 19, 2024

Court: Gov. Mike DeWine lacked authority to remove teachers' pension board member: Columbus Dispatch
In the latest turn in the battle to control the state teachers pension board, an appeals court ruled that Gov. Mike DeWine lacked the authority to remove his appointee and substitute another.

Wife convicted of possession for marijuana hidden in husband’s duffel bag gets new trial: Cleveland.com
An appeals court on Thursday tossed the felony drug conviction of a Garfield Heights woman whose husband had more than 8 ounces of marijuana in a duffel bag in their basement.

Court rules in Ohio Renaissance Festival village detachment request: Dayton Daily News
A Warren County judge has ruled the Ohio Renaissance Festival cannot detach from the village of Harveysburg.

Breastfeeding mothers would be excused from jury service under bill on DeWine’s desk: Cleveland.com
Nursing mothers soon will be excused from jury service.

Defendant’s testimony closes out aggravated murder trial, deliberations continue: The Vindicator
After listening to testimony from multiple eyewitnesses this week on either side of a dispute that led to Jacob Moore, 21, being shot to death on New York Avenue Sept. 29, 2022, jurors were given the task Thursday of sorting through testimony to determine who was telling the truth.

Man behind shooting at Alliance senior apartment complex gets prison term: Canton Repository
A 60-year-old Alliance man has been sent to prison for eight to 10.5 years for shooting another man in the arm and head on Sept. 22.

Man gets at least 22 years in South Toledo shooting that killed man, wounded woman: Toledo Blade
A Lucas County judge sent one of two men charged with a Sept. 23 shooting that killed a man and wounded a woman to prison Thursday for at least 22 years — and possibly for life.

Chinese immigrant pleads guilty in gift card scam Wednesday in Coshocton court: Coshocton Tribune
A Chinese immigrant charged with stealing and altering hundreds of gift cards changed his plea Wednesday afternoon in Coshocton County Common Pleas Court.

 

April 18, 2024

Stark County attorney who stole nearly $900K from his clients finds out his punishment: Canton Repository
One of the victims of a former lawyer's theft said the experience cost him over $10,000 in losses on investments and extra attorney fees.

Man who shot his pregnant sister, her husband at Maple Heights picnic gets life sentence: Cleveland.com
Jason Iverson ended three lives when he fatally shot his pregnant sister and her husband at a Labor Day picnic.

Plea deal for convicted killer in Rowan Sweeney case in jeopardy: The Vindicator
A filing in the criminal case against Kimonie Bryant in the 2020 killing of Rowan Sweeney answers a question that arose at the end of the February trial of co-defendant, Brandon Crump Jr.: Why didn’t Bryant testify?

Man who assaulted cop, stole gun sentenced: The Vindicator
Judge John Durkin sentenced Zachary R. Crespo, 36, of Norquest Boulevard in Austintown, to 14 to 17 years in prison Wednesday for a May 12 confrontation in Beaver Township in which Crespo attacked and injured a Beaver Township police officer.

Youngstown council OKs settling 2 lawsuits, costing city $520,000: The Vindicator
City council agreed to permit the board of control to settle two lawsuits: giving $80,000 and other financial considerations to the owners of the former Anthony’s on the River building and $440,000 to a student housing complex for water improvements.

Family of Donovan Lewis files lawsuit accusing Columbus police of systemic racism: Columbus Dispatch
The family of a man fatally shot by a Columbus police officer in 2022 has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Columbus Division of Police of systemic racism with the hopes of achieving reforms that have eluded the department for decades.

Ex-candidate George ‘Geo’ Kuriatnyk, 61, charged with intimidation, menacing: Tribune Chronicle
A former mayoral candidate faces charges related to an incident at a city council meeting in March.

 

April 17, 2024

Ohio Supreme Court says death records in a database aren't subject to public disclosure: Columbus Dispatch
In a 5-2 decision, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that names and addresses contained in a state database of people who died are not subject to disclosure under the state's open records laws.

Ohio Supreme Court rejects Moundbuilders Country Club appeal; clears way for valuation trial: Columbus Dispatch
When the long-awaited trial over the value of Moundbuilders Country Club's lease on the Octagon Mounds finally is before a jury, the country club won't have any witnesses.

Ohio judge temporarily blocks ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors: Columbus Dispatch
A Franklin County judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked an impending law that would restrict medical care for transgender minors in Ohio.

Hilliard student coerced to ‘identify as opposite sex,’ anti-LGBTQ+ lawsuit says: WCMH
Several central Ohio parents suing Hilliard City Schools allege a student suffering from “severe emotional trauma” was pressured by teachers to adopt “a new name and identity as the opposite sex.”

A 'brazen act.' Canton police detectives speak out at men who ambushed them with gunshots: Canton Repository
When two men fired a total of 14 gunshots at police detectives on June 29, they changed the lives of everyone involved, Canton police Detective Matthew Thomas told a judge on Tuesday.

Assaults on girlfriend net man prison sentence: The Vindicator
Sammy F. Anderson Jr., 28, was sentenced to 15.5 to 19.5 years in prison Tuesday after being convicted at trial of two counts of felonious assault, one count of having weapons while not allowed and two gun specifications.

Columbus man pleads guilty to killing a woman, wounding 2 in July 2020 shooting: Columbus Dispatch
A Columbus man pleaded guilty Tuesday and was sentenced to an indefinite term of at least 20 years in prison for his role in a July 2020 shooting that left one woman dead and wounded two others, the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office announced Tuesday.

Man sentenced for 2023 fatal drug deal gone wrong: WCMH
A Columbus man was sentenced to as much as 18 years in prison for a fatal double-shooting tied to a drug deal gone wrong in 2023.

North Side murder trial resumes: The Vindicator
Another eyewitness to the Sept. 29, 2022, shooting death of Jacob Moore, 21, on New York Avenue on the city’s North Side testified Tuesday in the aggravated murder trial of Mekhi Venable; however, he was not a willing witness.

Warren man gets 8-10 years in shooting: Tribune Chronicle
A Warren man was sentenced Tuesday for the shooting death of Ruby Sanchez, 43, at the Hampshire House Apartments.

Warren man gets six years for robbery and weapons charges: Tribune Chronicle
A Warren man who previously pleaded guilty to robbery and weapons charges received a six-year prison sentence Tuesday from Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Andrew D. Logan.

Nurse accused of stealing drugs at three nursing homes granted treatment sentence: Dayton Daily News
A nurse accused of stealing prescription painkillers and forging signatures at a Kettering nursing home where she worked was granted treatment in lieu of conviction.

 

April 16, 2024

Supreme Court orders Blendon Twp. to give justices records in fatal Ta'Kiya Young shooting: Columbus Dispatch
The Ohio Supreme Court has ordered the Blendon Township Police Department to release the the names of two police officers involved in the shooting of 21-year-old Ta'Kiya Young — but the names will not be made public yet.

Judge presses defendant to explain robbery that led to killing of 2 including teen girl: Cincinnati Enquirer
In a Hamilton County courtroom Monday, Jaylan Dubose heard heart-rending statements from family members of two people, including a 15-year-old girl, who were killed during a robbery in which he participated.

Sentencing for man guilty of killing ex-girlfriend in Cleveland Heights: WOIO
A 39-year-old Euclid man guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend in January 2023, was sentenced to 25 years in prison by Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge William McGinty Tuesday.

Shooter in Columbus drug deal that left two teens dead gets 15 years in prison: Columbus Dispatch
One of the shooters in an April 2023 drug deal that went sideways, resulting in the death of two teenagers, admitted his guilt Monday.

Warren man sentenced for 2023 shooting death of Ruby Sanchez: Tribune Chronicle
A Warren man was sentenced Tuesday for the 2023 shooting death of Rudy Sanchez, 43, at the Hampshire House Apartments.

DNA expert testifies about evidence found on kitchen knife possibly used in Perrine murder: Newark Advocate
A kitchen knife that might have been used to kill Debra Perrine contained what appeared to be her blood on the blade and what appeared to be her son’s DNA on the handle, a DNA analyst testified Monday.

New trial date set for former Franklin County deputy Jason Meade's murder trial: WBNS
A new trial date has been set for former Franklin County sheriff's deputy Jason Meade.

Cedar Point settles lawsuit with woman struck in head by metal part from Top Thrill Dragster: WEWS
The family of a woman who was struck in the head by a metal part of the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point has settled a lawsuit with the amusement park.

County worker says she failed to see through mom’s lies in case that ended in 5-year-old’s death: Cleveland.com
One year before police discovered the body of a 5-year-old boy buried in his mother’s backyard in Cleveland, a Cuyahoga County child services worker was assigned to investigate allegations that another child in the family was being abused.

Supreme Court gives some military veterans more generous educational benefits: Associated Press
The Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with a decorated veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in a protracted fight with the government over 12 months of G.I. Bill educational benefits.

 

April 15, 2024

Former Upper Arlington football coach, teacher sentenced for abusing former student: Columbus Dispatch
A judge in Madison County sentenced former Upper Arlington Schools teacher and coach Joel Cutler to serve three months in jail and five years probation for sexually abusing a former student.

Man convicted of fatal road-rage shooting gets at least 15 years in prison: Cleveland.com
A Summit County judge sentenced a Columbus man to at least 15 years in prison for the shooting death of an Akron man during a road-rage incident last year.

Harrison Twp. woman accused of lying after toddler shoots self gets probation: Dayton Daily News
A woman who reportedly lied to investigators and hospital staff after a 22-month-old shot himself in a Harrison Twp. apartment was sentenced to probation earlier this week.

Dayton man gets 50-plus years for shooting, sexually assaulting woman two years ago: Dayton Daily News
A Dayton man will spend a half century in prison for shooting a woman in the leg in June 2022 while pistol-whipping her before forcing her into a vehicle and sexually assaulting her.

Man sentenced after admitting to fatal shooting behind Italian Village's Go-Go: Columbus Dispatch
A man who, along with his brother, had been charged with murder in a June 2023 shooting will spend at least 15 years in prison.

Wauseon man found guilty of three charges in child's death, but not murder: The Crescent-News
A Wauseon man was found guilty of three charges involving a child’s death following a jury trial here in Fulton County Common Pleas Court, but not murder.

Retrial to start Monday for former Richland County corrections officer charged in inmate death: WOIO
A retrial is set to begin Monday in the case involving a former Richland County corrections officer charged in the 2019 death of an inmate.

‘A True Life Sentence’: Seeking solutions for youth and adults after incarceration: Signal Cleveland
Each year more than 3,000 people return home to Cuyahoga County from jail and prison.

Distracted driving law off to promising start: The Vindicator
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and officials from the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office are optimistic about the impact of Ohio’s strengthened distracted driving law on road safety.

Art Modell law is ripe for legal challenges, but could help Cleveland keep the Browns: Cleveland.com
As Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam continue mulling over the possibility of moving the team to Brook Park or elsewhere, one of the most vilified figures in Cleveland’s history has surfaced on the city’s consciousness once again.

LeBron James’ ink heads to court in trial pitting Cleveland Heights tattoo artist against makers of ‘NBA2K’ video games: Cleveland.com
Even though LeBron James won’t show up in person, his presence will loom large over a trial in federal court in Cleveland that is set to begin Monday.