MAY 22, 2025

Former Hocking County Prosecutor suspended from practicing law for 'inappropriate sexual conduct': Columbus Dispatch
The Ohio Supreme Court handed down a two-year suspension from practicing law to former Hocking County Prosecutor Ryan Black for his "inappropriate sexual conduct" with two employees.

Summit County's Turning Point drug court has helped dozens of people. How does it work?: Akron Beacon Journal
Timothy Van Henry Sr. and a dozen colleagues from Turning Point drug court got their hands dirty in early May when they volunteered to clean up downtown Akron with Keep Akron Beautiful.

City, police chief deny liability in lawsuit: Tribune Chronicle
The city of Warren and its police chief, Eric J. Merkel, have formally denied liability in a federal lawsuit accusing them of enabling a years-long pattern of sexual assaults and misconduct by a former officer, according to a May 16 court filing.

Trial underway for suspended East Cleveland mayor facing multiple criminal charges: WOIO
The jury trial for Brandon King, the suspended mayor of East Cleveland, and Ernest Smith, a former East Cleveland councilman, continues Thursday in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.

Judge scolds semi driver for firing gun at truck’s trailer: The Vindicator
Semi truck driver Curtis A. Brooks of Dallas, Georgia, left his wife and two small children in the hallway of the Mahoning County Courthouse Wednesday morning as he entered a courtroom and was sentenced to three to four years in prison for firing a gun at a fellow semi driver’s trailer.

Man convicted in Austintown robbery, assault gets 4 to 6 years: The Vindicator
Nathan J. Frybarger, 32, was sentenced to 4 to 6 years in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery, two counts of kidnapping and one count of felonious assault, all high-level felonies, for a Nov. 15 incident in the restroom of an Austintown company.

City man found not guilty by reason of insanity on att. murder charge: The Crescent-News
A Defiance man recently was found not guilty by reason of insanity on two charges, including attempted murder, following a recent trial in Defiance County Common Pleas Court.

'Really hurtful': Family of Ta'Kiya Young decries delays in trial for cop who killed her: Columbus Dispatch
The grandmother of a woman shot and killed by a Blendon Township police officer criticized continued delays in his trial on murder charges, saying it was unfair that he remains on paid leave.

Death penalty trial set for next year in killing of Hamilton County sheriff's deputy: Cincinnati Enquirer
The death penalty trial for the man accused of killing a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy by intentionally driving a car into him is set to begin with jury selection on Jan. 12, 2026.

What is the McKinney-Vento Act, and how did it play a role in the Perrysburg High School case?: WTOL
When a person named "Anthony Labrador" enrolled at Perrysburg High School in January 2024, school officials say they followed federal guidelines outlined in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act — a law designed to ensure homeless children and teens can enroll in school quickly, even if they lack documents like birth certificates, immunization records or legal guardianship.

MAY 21, 2025

ACLU sues Geauga County sheriff for records of ICE contracts: Cleveland.com
The ACLU of Ohio on Tuesday sued the Geauga County Sheriff’s Department for refusing to release records of its contracts to house U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrestees.

Court orders new sentencing hearings in death penalty case: Tribune Chronicle
Two Trumbull County inmates convicted in the 2001 murder of a Howland man will face new sentencing hearings after federal appeals courts ruled their death sentences were improperly imposed because of judicial bias and procedural errors.

Fitch students watch court in action: The Vindicator
Students from the Mock Trial team at Austintown Fitch High School observed oral arguments last week at the 7th District Court of Appeals and engaged in a question-and-answer period with the court judges afterward.

Portage Juvenile Court adds therapy dog for youths struggling with drugs: Akron Beacon Journal
Judge Patricia J. Smith and the Portage County Juvenile Court staff say they are proud to welcome Ravioli to their team.

What is a magistrate anyway? Attorneys play elevated role, assist judges at courthouse: Columbus Dispatch
A judge and a magistrate may look the same to the uninformed eye. 

Warren County judge acquits Wayne Local treasurer, daughter on all charges in strong ruling: Dayton Daily News
The former Wayne Local School District treasurer and his daughter were acquitted of all charges after just two days of trial, without the defense even presenting its case.

That’s a wrap! Movie production crew finishes filming in Bellefontaine: Bellefontaine Examiner
It wasn’t what you’d expect walking into that historic house on east Chillicothe Avenue in Bellefontaine on Thursday night, May 15.

John Litle Voted Assistant Prosecutor of the Year: AVC News
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Litle was voted APA of the Year by the staff and attorneys at the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office during the office’s annual meeting.

Shooting of fleeing burglar lands Akron man a 7-year prison sentence: Cleveland.com
A judge sentenced an Akron man on Monday to more than seven years in prison for shooting and killing a fleeing burglar.

City fire lieutenant pleads guilty to reduced charge: The Vindicator
Facing two felony counts for allegedly working while receiving state disability benefits, Youngstown fire Lt. Patrick Bundy took a deal, pleading guilty to a first-degree misdemeanor of criminal mischief.

Ohio State women's basketball coach Kevin McGuff gets driving privileges back after arrest: Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State University's women's basketball coach will regain his driving privileges after a Dublin Mayor's Court hearing related to his May 6 arrest.

Recent US Supreme Court ruling delays high-profile central Ohio officer fatal shooting cases: WCMH
A recent ruling by the United States Supreme Court has forced two high-profile, central Ohio homicide cases to reschedule their respective trial dates.

MAY 20, 2025

New judge assigned to ex-city clerk of courts appeal case: The Vindicator
Two 7th District Court of Appeals judges recused themselves from a case involving Sarah Brown-Clark, the former longtime Youngstown clerk of courts who is appealing a judge’s decision to dismiss her lawsuit against the city.

Alliance Municipal Court seeks a major upgrade to its case system: Canton Repository
A significant upgrade for Alliance Municipal Court's case management system has been requested.

After 'heartbreaking' termination by county, lawyer Tom Gableman resigns from law firm: Cincinnati Enquirer
Days after being dismissed by Hamilton County commissioners, attorney Tom Gabelman resigned from the law firm where he worked for more than a decade.

Suspended East Cleveland mayor refuses plea deal; corruption case heads to trial: Cleveland.com
Suspended East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King refused a plea deal with prosecutors Monday, as his public corruption trial began after weeks of delays.

Attorneys Ask Judge To Appoint Receiver for Heritage Place Apartments in Steubenville: The Intelligencer
Attorneys representing tenants of a 100-unit affordable living apartment complex in Steubenville asked a judge Monday to appoint a receiver to make sure bills are paid and the facility is properly maintained.

Ohio Court Gains Dismissal of Ex-Judge’s Age Bias Lawsuit: Bloomberg Law
A former magistrate judge in Ohio failed to convince a federal court to keep her age discrimination claims alleging she was pushed off the bench without cause and replaced by a younger woman.

Man sentenced in Grandview Heights deadly assault after plea agreement: WCMH
A man who pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in the fatal beating of a man in Grandview Heights received his sentence Tuesday.

Orrville man pleads guilty to killing girlfriend in 2023: WOIO
An Orrville man pleaded guilty to several charges for the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend in September 2023.

Olympian, former Ohio State wrestler Kyle Snyder pleads guilty in prostitution case: Columbus dispatch
A former Ohio State University and Olympic wrestler admitted to making a "lapse in judgment" that led to his arrest.

Woman sues two motorists in fatal crash: The Vindicator
The daughter of a woman killed in a June 24, 2023, motorcycle crash on state Route 616 in Coitsville has sued two motorists connected to the crash, including the victim’s husband.

Warren councilman sues Ohio Edison: Tribune Chronicle
A city councilman has filed a lawsuit against Ohio Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, alleging the utility company overcharged the city for nonfunctional streetlights, costing taxpayers hundreds of dollars in one ward alone.

MAY 19, 2025

Appeals court upholds conviction of Cleveland man who killed infant son with baby wipe: Cleveland.com
A panel of appellate judges on Thursday unanimously upheld the conviction of a Cleveland father who killed his infant son by stuffing a baby wipe down his throat.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost turned an immigrant into a ‘political prop’ in voting case, judge says: Signal Cleveland
A Franklin County judge accused Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost of turning a Brazilian woman who legally immigrated to the United States more than 30 years ago into a “political prop” when Yost charged her with voting illegally in the 2018 general election. 

Former Kettering music teacher gets prison for child sexual abuse material charges: Dayton Daily News
A former Kettering music teacher was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material.

Judge finds Zanesville truck driver in Tuscarawas Valley bus crash guilty of lesser charges: Newark Advocate
A Licking County judge has found a Zanesville truck driver involved in a November 2023 bus crash, which killed six people and injured 18 others, guilty of lesser homicide charges and assault but not guilty of vehicular assault.

Maple Heights settles lawsuit over fatal police shooting for $1.5 million: Cleveland.com
Maple Heights has agreed to a $1.5 million settlement in a lawsuit over the death of a 22-year-old man who was fatally shot in the back by a police officer with a history of discipline.

Wrongful death settlement won’t be sealed: The Vindicator
The terms of a wrongful death lawsuit related to the May 2024 Realty Tower explosion soon may be made public.

Lawsuit on Franklin County jail overdose alleges coverup over 'ignorance and laziness': Columbus Dispatch
The mother of a woman who died of a fentanyl overdose while at the Franklin County jail has sued the company providing medical care, alleging it didn't perform required safety checks that might have saved her daughter's life.

MAY 16, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court weighs proposed changes to interpreter services, could allow AI: WOSU
The Ohio Supreme Court has proposed rules on how courts could use generative artificial intelligence for language interpretation.

Deputy injured, suspect tased after fleeing custody Thursday at Toledo Municipal Court: WTOL
A sheriff's deputy was injured and a suspect arrested following an incident Thursday at Toledo Municipal Court.

Trumbull settles Frenchko suit for $51,000: Tribune Chronicle
Trumbull County Commissioners voted Wednesday to settle the lawsuit filed by former Commissioner Niki Frenchko and Open Government Advocates for $51,000.

Jury deadlocks while deliberating Jashawn Ray murder charges, resulting in 2nd mistrial: Akron Beacon Journal
A second mistrial was declared May 14 after a deadlocked jury failed to reach a decision in the murder trial of Jashawn Ray, 31, of Youngstown. It came one day after jurors began deliberations.

Family sues over a woman's jail death from fentanyl, claiming staff failures and a cover-up: WBNS
On March 17, 2023, Patty Wolf says she got a knock on the door no parent expects.

Harvard learned it has an authentic Magna Carta. In 1946, it paid less than $28 for it: NPR
It wasn't exactly like the big reveal on the Antiques Roadshow. But one day in December 2023, David Carpenter, a professor of medieval history at King's College London, was searching through the digital archives of the Harvard Law Library when he clicked on a document that would become the biggest discovery of his career.

MAY 15, 2025

Richland County Drug Court graduates 14 in program: Mansfield News Journal
There were 14 drug court graduates recognized Tuesday at the 23rd annual Richland County Drug Court graduation in Richland County Common Pleas Judge Phil Naumoff's courtroom.

Students participate in mock trial: Morrow County Sentinel
The Morrow County Court of Common Pleas was full on Monday, May 6. Families from across Ohio came to watch their homeschooled students in their first mock trial.

Hamilton County shakes up legal team for Bengals lease, riverfront development at The Banks: WCPO
Hamilton County is shuffling its lineup of lawyers who handle riverfront development matters, including lease negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds.

WATCH: Montgomery County judge sentenced for obstructing official business: Dayton Daily News
A Montgomery County Municipal Court judge who was sentenced last week for a misdemeanor charge of obstructing official business told a small courtroom that he doesn’t “plan on stepping out of line any time soon.”

Dayton man gets decades in prison for shooting, killing 15-year-old daughter: Dayton Daily News
A Dayton man has been sentenced to decades in prison for shooting and killing his 15-year-old daughter.

Franklin County jury acquits man in 2022 shooting outside East Side bar: Columbus Dispatch
A Franklin County jury has found a man who was on trial for the second time for a 2022 fatal shooting not guilty.

Attorney accused of killing client Aliza Sherman will return to Ohio after waiving extradition: Cleveland.com
Authorities will transport Gregory Moore, the divorce attorney accused of killing Aliza Sherman, from Texas back to Cuyahoga County within 30 days.

John White waives preliminary hearing: The Vindicator
John White, who filed to run for Youngstown mayor, waived his right to a preliminary hearing and had his case for two felonies bound over to a Trumbull County grand jury.

Trooper cleared of wrongdoing in fatal shooting of woman on I-275 in Clermont County: Cincinnati Enquirer
The Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper who shot and killed a woman driving the wrong way on Interstate 275 has been cleared of wrongdoing, according to prosecutors.

Charge upgraded in animal cruelty case: Tribune Chronicle
A Warren man faces an upgraded fifth-degree felony charge of animal cruelty after his dog, found severely neglected, was euthanized because of its injuries and neglect, according to police.

Three sue Case Western Reserve University over spray-painting of protesters: Cleveland.com
Three pro-Palestinian student protesters sued Case Western Reserve University on Wednesday over contractors spraying them with paint on campus.

MAY 14, 2025

No you didn't miss jury duty. Federal courts, Franklin County warn of increasing scams: Columbus Dispatch
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio issued a warning about an uptick in a jury duty scam.

Corruption trial for suspended East Cleveland mayor reset for next week: Cleveland.com
The jury trial for suspended East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King on corruption-related charges has been reset to begin Monday, court records show.

‘Paint your house buddy’: Police called after tense exchange between Cleveland Heights mayor and his neighbor, a judge: Cleveland.com
An April altercation between Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge David Matia and Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren – who are neighbors – ended with Matia calling police and Seren being warned that he could be arrested for trespassing.

Former Poland police officer and Austintown trustee seeks early release from prison: The Vindicator
Steve Kent, the former Austintown Township trustee and former Poland Township police officer who began serving a one-year prison sentence Sept. 23 for tampering with evidence, has asked Mahoning County Common Pleas Judge John Durkin to let him out four months early.

Lawsuit costs county, Bazetta thousands: Tribune Chronicle
Trumbull County Commissioner Tony Bernard on Tuesday questioned what would happen if the county decides not to pay the costs associated with Bazetta’s lawsuit against Auditor Martha Yoder for her not returning more than $80,000 a county employee mistakenly sent to a fake bank account.

Testimony begins in retrial of man who was shot by Boardman officer: The Vindicator
Testimony in the felonious assault retrial of Damian J. Cessna began Tuesday, including that from one of four Boardman detectives assigned to the case.

28-year-old man gets 6 consecutive life sentences for rape of young girl in Marion County: WBNS
A man convicted on multiple counts of rape was sentenced to at least 60 years in prison on Tuesday, according to county Prosecutor Ray Grogan's office.

'You destroyed my family' | Man pleads guilty in 2023 fatal shooting of pregnant woman in Avondale: WCPO
More than one year after he shot and killed a 34-year-old woman who was nine months pregnant, Miquan Barfield pleaded guilty to multiple charges — including involuntary manslaughter.

Arriana Higgins found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in killing of Imani Tolbert: Akron Beacon Journal
A Summit County Common Pleas judge found 20-year-old Arriana Higgins guilty of a lesser charge of killing Imani Tolbert, her on-again, off-again 18-year-old boyfriend.

Ohio State women's basketball coach Kevin McGuff gets driving privileges back after arrest: Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State University's women's basketball coach will regain his driving privileges after a Dublin Mayor's Court hearing related to his May 6 arrest. 

'Very strange': Woman filed lawsuit on behalf of Rodney Hinton Jr. without talking to him: Cincinnati Enquirer
Although a lawsuit has been filed against Cincinnati police and the Hamilton County jail in Rodney Hinton Jr.'s name, his criminal lawyer says Hinton had nothing to do with it.

MAY 13, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court hears arguments in Youngstown wrongful death lawsuit: WFMJ
The Supreme Court of Ohio heard arguments in a lawsuit filed against the City of Youngstown by the estate of a motorcyclist who died after he was struck by a falling tree.

Columbus City Council approves $1.5 million for legal aid to help tenants facing eviction: WBNS
Columbus officials approved the investment of nearly $1.5 million to provide legal assistance to tenants at risk of eviction, aiming to reduce the record number of residents displaced from their homes.

Stark County man sentenced to life in prison after fatal shooting at Coventry Twp home: Akron Beacon Journal
A 44-year-old Navarre man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2021 shooting death of 49-year-old Robert Zornes Jr. during fight at a house in Coventry Township, according to a May 12 press release from the Summit County Prosecutor's Office.

Cuyahoga County jury finds father not guilty of murder in infant son’s death: Cleveland.com
A Cuyahoga County jury has acquitted a Medina father of murder in the death of 27-day-old Deondre Hairston.

Judge to ponder explosion ruling: The Vindicator
Mahoning County Probate Court Judge Robert Rusu Jr. twice told the attorneys in his courtroom Monday it was their burden to convince him that he should seal the records related to the dollar amounts of the settlement reached between the family of Akil Drake and the defendants in their lawsuit.

Man convicted in Delaware County murder, kidnapping, rape sentenced to over 40 years: WCMH
A Powell man convicted of murdering a man and kidnapping and raping his girlfriend will spend a minimum of 43 years in prison.

$25M lawsuit accuses police of using 'excessive force' against Rodney Hinton Jr.: Cincinnati Enquirer
A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Rodney Hinton Jr., who is accused of killing Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson with a car in what prosecutors say was an intentional act.

MAY 12, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court rejects request to remove judge in East Cleveland mayor’s trial: Cleveland.com
The Ohio Supreme Court rejected a request to remove the judge presiding over the public corruption case against suspended East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King.

Cuyahoga County’s juvenile justice reform talks emphasize community involvement, prevention first: Cleveland.com
A committee tasked with recommending improvements to Cuyahoga County’s juvenile justice system is nearing the end of its year-long exploration and will soon share its findings. But one theme keeps resurfacing: no single person, program or county office can do the work alone.

First Newark HOME Court defendant agrees to participate to possibly get charge dismissed: Newark Advocate
The first HOME Court defendant appeared May 7 in Licking County Municipal Court and agreed to participate in the new program, which could help him find permanent housing and get a trespassing charge dismissed.

Teen pleads guilty, sentenced for 2023 death of man found in burning car in east Toledo: WTOL
A teen pleaded guilty to reduced charges Friday and was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the 2023 death of a 20-year-old man found in a burning car in east Toledo.

Butler Twp. man pleads guilty, accused of trying to meet girl for sex: Dayton Daily News
A Butler Twp. man who was accused of trying to solicit a young girl for sex that turned out to be undercover law enforcement has pleaded guilty to a bill of information.

Did Arriana Higgins have battered woman syndrome? Experts disagree in murder trial: Akron Beacon Journal
A second shouting incident interrupted the emotional murder trial of 20-year-old Arriana Higgins when half of the gallery rushed out of a Summit County Common Pleas courtroom and into the halls on May 9.

Judge delays verdict in fatal Tuscarawas Valley bus crash trial: Newark Advocate
A Licking County judge plans to announce his verdict Friday, May 16 in a trial against a Zanesville tractor-trailer driver accused of vehicular homicide after a November 2023 crash with an SUV and a charter bus in Etna Township that killed six people and injured 18 others.

County prosecutor Favor fires special prosecutors in Donovan Lewis fatal police shooting: Columbus Dispatch
Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor has fired two special prosecutors handling the case of a former Columbus police officer charged with murder in the August 2022 killing of a Black man.

Columbus, Sanctuary Night agree to improve Franklinton nonprofit's security after lawsuit
City Attorney Zach Klein's office has reached an agreement with a Columbus nonprofit providing resources to women battling drug addiction and escaping sex trafficking so the program can continue its work.

Big week for small city: Nelsonville sues former councilman; voters reject city plan: WCMH
Nelsonville continues on its regularly scheduled path toward abolishing its charter after a city-led ballot issue failed last week, and now the city is involved in a new lawsuit with a familiar face.

Former Mahoning deputy pleads guilty to sex crimes: The Vindicator
Damon K. Perry, 52, of Youngstown, a former Mahoning County Sheriff’s deputy, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Cleveland to two counts of sexual abuse of a federal detainee and two counts of sexual abuse for engaging in sexual conduct with a jail inmate in November 2023 while Perry was on duty.

MAY 9, 2025

Ex-MetroHealth CEO was fired for ‘insubordination’, poor judgment, hospital attorneys say in court docs: Cleveland.com
MetroHealth’s board of directors fired former president and CEO Airica Steed last year because of poor performance and judgment, as well as insubordination, the board’s attorneys said in court filings.

Law firm that represented Aliza Sherman has history of sanctions over trial delays, records show: Cleveland.com
A Cleveland law firm billed Aliza Sherman $100,000 to represent her in the contentious divorce case against her estranged husband in 2011.

Prosecutor: Mom cared more about herself, boyfriend than her children: The Vindicator
Mahoning County Assistant Prosecutor Daniel Yozwiak said the evidence in the trial of Maleka D. Curry, 36, and Christopher L. Hill, 43, showed that Curry “is the type of person who doesn’t protect her children.

City man pleads guilty in 2022 East Side shooting death: The Vindicator
Jacoby M. Walker, 20, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and a gun specification Thursday for his role in the February 2022 shooting death of Isiah J. Helms, 22, who was killed at a house on Lilburn Avenue on the East Side.

Attorneys deliver closing arguments in Tusky Valley bus crash trial; case heads to judge: Newark Advocate
Attorneys delivered their closing arguments Thursday, May 8, in a trial against a Zanesville tractor-trailer driver facing nearly 30 criminal charges after a November 2023 crash with an SUV and a charter bus in Etna Township that killed six people and injured 18 others.

4-year-old looked for crumbs during weeks-long starvation before death, detective testifies: Columbus Dispatch
A mother accused of severely torturing and abusing her 4-year-old son, ending in his death, briefly appeared in a Franklin County courtroom on May 8, where a judge denied her the option of bond as she awaits trial.

Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a Republican who became a liberal darling, has died: Associated Press
Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, the ascetic bachelor and New Hampshire Republican who became a darling of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench, has died.

MAY 8, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court suspends attorney’s law license: Toledo Blade
The Ohio Supreme Court has indefinitely suspended the Ohio law license of Matthew Exton, the man accused of trying to kill an estranged or former wife in a Warehouse District restaurant last month.

Hamilton County Courthouse closed Friday for fallen sheriff's deputy's funeral services: Cincinnati Enquirer
The Hamilton County Courthouse and all Clerk of Courts' offices will be closed Friday, May 9, the day of a public visitation and services for fallen Deputy Larry Henderson.

Attorney for John White makes mayoral candidate’s case for eligibility: The Vindicator
Using an argument similar to an unsuccessful one in 2021, an attorney for John White, a Youngstown mayoral candidate facing questions about his eligibility to run, wrote to the city’s law director that his client meets the criteria to be on the ballot.

Delaware County Commissioners to restore treasurer's investment authority after lawsuits: Columbus Dispatch
The Delaware County Board of Commissioners has agreed to restore investment authority to the county treasurer after removing it a month ago and assigning it to the county's finance director.

Powell man found guilty of murder, kidnapping, rape in 2023 case: WBNS
A Powell man was convicted Wednesday for the murder of one person and the kidnapping and rape of another in 2023, according to the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office.

Not guilty by reason of insanity plea from man who allegedly attacked woman in lobby of Elyria Police Station: WOIO
The man who allegedly went to the Elyria Police Station with the “explicit intent of killing an officer,” but when he did not find one in the lobby, he attacked a woman instead, has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Teen charged with 2023 murder of girl again denied lower bond: The Vindicator
Danyo Sellers, who was 16 when he was accused of firing the gunshots that killed 15-year-old Amya Monserrat outside of a Southern Boulevard tavern, has been denied a lower bond again after his trial was postponed again to July.

Multiple Cincinnati law firms make list of nation's best: Cincinnati Business Courier
Eleven law firms headquartered in Cincinnati have earned national recognition on Best Lawyers’ 2024 Best Law Firms list.

MAY 7, 2025

Ohio lawmakers target utility middlemen accused of jacking up electric prices: Signal Cleveland
A bipartisan duo of lawmakers wants to stomp out an industry of middlemen in the utility supply chain that has been accused of adding what they called “exorbitant” costs to renters’ water and electric bills while depriving them of basic consumer protections guaranteed to all traditional utility customers. 

Judge allows Cleveland activist to keeps his lawyers, despite prosecutors’ attempt to remove them: Cleveland.com
A judge has rejected a request by Cuyahoga County prosecutors to disqualify the law firm representing a Cleveland activist accused of extortion.

Commissioners likely to discuss settlement in records lawsuit: Tribune Chronicle
Trumbull County commissioners are expected to discuss next week whether to accept a settlement offer that was presented to them by a judge to settle an open records lawsuit filed by former commissioner Niki Frenchko and Open Government Advocates.

Euclid man gets life in prison for 2023 Cleveland murder: Cleveland.com
A Euclid man who shot and killed Alexander Eaton in Cleveland was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison.

Shooter gets 11-15 years in prison: The Vindicator
The best Ethan Richmond, 19, and his attorney could hope for Tuesday was that Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Maureen Sweeney would adopt the sentence of 11 to 15 years in prison being recommended by the prosecution and defense.

Man sentenced to probation in connection to Preble County child porn investigation: Dayton Daily News
A Preble County man convicted of possessing criminal tools in connection to a child pornography case was sentenced to probation.

Federal appeals court upholds conviction of Householder in public corruption case: Ohio Capital Journal
A panel of federal court judges has upheld the convictions of former House Speaker Larry Householder and former Republican leader Matt Borges for their roles in the largest public corruption scheme in state history.

Family of slain man forgives teen who fatally shot him in College Hill: Cincinnati Enquirer
A 15-year-old admitted in court to fatally shooting Levonte Hyde and was also forgiven by Hyde's family.

MAY 6, 2025

Judge defends conduct in suspended East Cleveland mayor’s corruption case as trial on hold: Cleveland.com
A Cuyahoga County judge has denied that she was disrespectful to an attorney before the start of a public corruption trial, though she admitted that she was upset about a late motion filed just hours before the proceeding was to begin.

Ohio man’s life sentence overturned: New trial results in probation for child sex charges: WTOL
An Ohio appeals court overturned the conviction of a west Toledo man who was sentenced to life in prison in 2022, ruling that the trial court unfairly limited his ability to present a defense. The appeals court ruling was decided on Aug. 11, 2023.

More mysteries within the Licking County Courthouse solved during rededication of the ornate, restored West Courtroom: The Reporting Project
One of the longest-running historic renovation projects in Licking County concluded last week with a celebration that revealed the answers to two more mysteries about the Licking County Courthouse – the age of the artwork and why the walls included four empty frames where artwork presumably was planned.

Two more efforts to overturn Morgan murder conviction fail: The Vindicator
Twice last month, efforts by attorney Rhys Cartwright-Jones failed to overturn the convictions of John E. Morgan, 48, in the July 31, 2022, shooting death of Daniel Peek Sr., 46, at Peek’s East Florida Avenue home on Youngstown’s South Side.

Cab driver sentenced to 48 to 52 years in prison for sex crimes involving minors: Toledo Blade
A cab driver working for a company that provided transportation services for Springfield Schools has been sentenced to 48 to 52 years in prison for sex crimes involving children.

Man pleads guilty in fatal I-77 shooting, faces 35-40 year sentence: Cleveland.com
A Newburgh Heights man pleaded guilty Monday to involuntary manslaughter in the slaying of a driver on Interstate 77 last year.

Hotel near Realty Tower files suit over explosion: The Vindicator
Nearly a year after individuals harmed by the explosion at the Realty Tower downtown started to file lawsuits against companies that owned the now demolished downtown Realty Tower and those accused of causing the explosion, Youngstown Stambaugh Hotel LLC and Youngstown Stambaugh Parking Holdings have sued for similar reasons.

Attorney: Jail video shows Christian Black ‘murdered in front of our eyes’: Dayton Daily News
Lawyers representing the family of Christian Black, who died in March after an altercation at the Montgomery County Jail, are calling for major changes and for corrections officers to be charged with murder.

MAY 5, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court orders judge to respond to bullying allegations in East Cleveland mayor’s case: Cleveland.com
The Ohio Supreme Court on Friday ordered Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Hollie Gallagher to respond to allegations of misconduct and bullying stemming from a pretrial hearing in involving suspended East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King.

Disciplinary counsel blasts Judge Celebrezze, recommends suspension for dishonesty: Cleveland.com
Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze should be suspended from practicing law for a year for funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars in business to a longtime friend, the state’s disciplinary counsel said Friday.

Judge disqualifies chief deputy clerk from practicing in her court: The Vindicator
Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court Judge Beth Smith issued three judgment entries Tuesday and Wednesday disqualifying Mahoning County Chief Deputy Clerk of Courts Jennifer Ciccone from acting as an attorney in Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court.

Consumers’ office: House bill blocks refunds to AES Ohio customers: Dayton Daily News
The Ohio Supreme Court heard oral arguments last week in a case in which $152 million in total possible refunds to AES Ohio customers are at stake.

Gregory Moore, former divorce attorney for Cleveland Clinic nurse Aliza Sherman, arrested for her 2013 murder: WKYC
After 12 years, police have made an arrest in one of Cleveland's most high-profile cold case killings.

Judge issues gag order tied to Canton police officers charged with Frank Tyson's death: Canton Repository
A judge has issued a gag order in the case of two city police officers charged with reckless homicide in connection with the death of Frank E. Tyson just over a year ago.

North Canton man gets prison term for stealing $300K from elderly relative: Canton Repository
A North Canton man is set to serve at least three years in prison for stealing at least $300,000 from a relative with dementia.

Avondale man pleads guilty to killing four people in 2020: WCPO
A man pleaded guilty to killing four people in 2020 in Hamilton County Court on Friday.

Homicide trial starts May 5 for semi driver charged in Tuscarawas Valley bus crash: Newark Advocate
A trial is slated to begin May 5 for a Zanesville man facing 26 criminal counts related to a November 2023 bus crash with a charter bus in Etna Township that killed six people and injured 18 others.

Father allegedly killed Hamilton Co. deputy after seeing video of police fatally shoot son: Cincinnati Enquirer
The father accused of killing a Hamilton County Sheriff's Office deputy with his car a day after a Cincinnati Police officer shot his son is due in court this week to determine whether he will be released on bond.

MAY 2, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court decision allows solar company to build $350 million energy farm in northwestern Licking County: The Reporting Project
The Harvey Solar company has a green light to build a solar farm on 2,630 acres in northwestern Licking County.

Appeals court reverses judge’s decision in kidnapping: The Vindicator
The Seventh District Court of Appeals has reversed a decision by a Mahoning County Common Pleas Court judge that allowed a man to rescind his guilty plea in a case in which he took a van parked in a gas station parking lot, then realized there were several sleeping children in the back.

Court dismisses appeal in arson, murder case: Tribune Chronicle
The Ohio 11th District Court of Appeals issued a dismissal of an appeal by a convicted murderer.

‘Gross disrespect’: Judicial misconduct allegations delay trial of East Cleveland mayor: Cleveland.com
The corruption trial of suspended East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King was delayed this week after his attorney asked the Ohio Supreme Court to intervene and remove the judge over allegations of bullying.

Ohio woman wins back home after quitclaim deed scam while battling cancer: WBNS
When a scammer stole her house through a fraudulent quitclaim deed, Robin Mobley, of Dayton, was left feeling blindsided, in debt and determined to win it back.

Franklin County couple nearly killed by drunk driver receives justice 3 years after crash: WSYX
A couple nearly killed by a drunk driver called ABC6 On Your Side years ago to say they were not receiving justice.

Dayton man gets up to life in prison for 2024 murder outside Patterson Road bar: Dayton Daily News
A Dayton man will face up to life in prison for the murder of Arron Tigner, 28, who was shot outside a Dayton bar last year.

Kent man convicted of killing friend, injuring Spectrum driver in OVI crash: Ravenna Record-Courier
A jury took less than 30 minutes Thursday to convict a Kent man who drove his car while intoxicated into the back of a Spectrum service truck, killing his passenger and seriously injuring the truck's driver and himself.

Former softball coach sentenced to 25 years for rape, sexual battery of a minor in Union County: WBNS
A former girls’ softball coach in Union County was sentenced Wednesday to at least 25 years in prison for rape and unlawful sexual conduct involving a 12-year-old girl.

Judge declares mistrial after defendant was found injured at jail, in a pool of blood: Cincinnati Enquirer
A Hamilton County judge has declared a mistrial in a murder case after the defendant − who was representing himself − was found injured in his solitary jail cell in a pool of blood.

Jury delivers record verdict: Tribune Chronicle
A Trumbull County jury took just five minutes Thursday to convict a 50-year-old Warren man of escape, marking the 18th jury trial since the start of 2024 to result in convictions.

Duhart convicted on two of three murder charges: Toledo Blade
Sean Duhart was convicted Thursday on two of three murder charges against him.

Beavercreek woman accused of whipping child with cord pleads guilty: Dayton Daily News
A Beavercreek woman accused of whipping a child with an extension cord, leaving scars and open wounds, has pleaded guilty in Greene County court.

Warrants show detectives focus on father and cousin in teen's murder probe: WTOL
Multiple warrants filed in Toledo Municipal Court offer more clues about the investigation into the murder of Kei’Mani Latigue. And they indicate that shortly after the 13-year-old girl’s disappearance, detectives began focusing on the girl’s father, Darnell Jones Ogletree and his cousin, Kalop Jones-Dixon.

Ohio 4-year-old underwent torture, waterboarding and beatings before his death, records say: Columbus Dispatch
New details have been revealed by Franklin County prosecutors about the torture they say a 4-year-old Reynoldsburg boy underwent at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend before the child died on April 10.

 

MAY 1, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court rules school administrators whose positions were eliminated are not entitled to reinstatement: WTRF
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that four school administrators whose positions were eliminated are not entitled to reinstatement.

Trumbull lowers cost of public defender services: Tribune Chronicle
Trumbull County is projected to spend less on providing public defenders for low-income individuals requiring legal support, thanks to the state covering approximately 88% of the cost for the Ohio Public Defender’s Office.

Dayton man gets 15 years to life for stabbing death: Dayton Daily News
A Dayton man found guilty of stabbing and killing another man was sentenced to up to life in prison.

‘I messed up’: Man who killed doctor in stolen van crash gets 30-year prison sentence: Cleveland.com
A Cleveland man who killed an Akron doctor while fleeing police in a stolen delivery van will spend the next 30 years behind bars.

Dayton man pleads guilty in 15-year-old daughter’s shooting death: Dayton Daily News
A man pleaded guilty as charged in the fatal shooting of his 15-year-old daughter in Dayton last year.

Marion County man convicted on 6 counts of child rape: WBNS
A Marion County jury convicted a man on several counts of rape on Wednesday. 

Jury deliberations underway for 2024 West Toledo murder: Toledo Blade
The state rested its case Wednesday against a 23-year-old accused of killing a man driving a stolen car in West Toledo, sending the case to the jury for deliberations.

Jury trial to begin for suspended East Cleveland mayor facing multiple criminal charges: WOIO
The jury trial for the suspended mayor of East Cleveland and a former East Cleveland councilman is scheduled to begin Thursday, May 1, in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.

East Palestine schools sue railroad: Lisbon Morning Journal
East Palestine City Schools filed a multimillion dollar lawsuit against Norfolk Southern on Wednesday for what Superintendent James Rook called “broken promises” and what the board of education claims the railroad failed to do after the 2023 train derailment and chemical release.

Petland sued by family who says puppy bought at Grove City store gave them stomach bug: Columbus Dispatch
A Grove City family has sued Chillicothe-based Petland, saying a puppy the family bought from the pet store transmitted a stomach bug to them and their children.

City of Columbus files lawsuit against nonprofit for reported criminal activity, drug use: WBNS
The City of Columbus is suing a nonprofit organization in Franklinton for attracting criminal activity and open drug use.

 

APRIL 30, 2025

Media outlet sues Mahoning County Clerk of Courts for delaying access to civil cases: WFMJ
A national news media outlet is suing the Mahoning County Clerk of Courts for what they claim are unconstitutional practices.  

Delaware Municipal Court clerk nears lawsuit settlement as Democrat aims to challenge her: Columbus Dispatch
Delaware Municipal Court Clerk Cindy Dinovo is close to settling another lawsuit accusing her of running a hostile, dysfunctional office, Delaware County's Democratic Party chairperson said.

Cuyahoga County’s reentry system is failing, ex-offenders say. They have ideas for how to improve it: Cleveland.com
Three men who each faced significant hurdles rebuilding their lives after exiting prison say Cuyahoga County must better support people transitioning back into society if it wants to prevent recidivism – and they have some ideas for how to do it.

Doctor who performed ultrasounds on men's genitals in his apartment found not guilty: Cincinnati Enquirer
The actions of a onetime UC Health doctor who performed ultrasounds in his apartment on the genitals of men who went there for heart scans were "inappropriate and incomprehensible" but he did not commit any crimes, a judge has ruled.

Lorain man sentenced to prison for setting motel fire: Tribune Chronicle
A Lorain man was sentenced Monday to seven to 10 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to setting a fire at a Braceville motel last year.

Warren man pleads guilty to 14 counts in child pornography case: Tribune Chronicle
A Warren man pleaded guilty Tuesday to 14 felony counts related to child pornography.

City asks judge to ignore suit dismissal request: The Vindicator
An attorney for the city of Youngstown asked a judge not to grant a request by developer Dominic Marchionda and two of his companies to dismiss its $834,608 civil lawsuit against them “as part of a scheme” to “assist in laundering public funds.”

Teen to be tried as an adult after allegedly shooting at 4 Columbus officers: WBNS
A 17-year-old who is accused of shooting at four Columbus Division of Police officers in January will now be charged as an adult.

Judge rules man accused of killing Beloit woman is competent to stand trial: The Vindicator
Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony Donofrio on Tuesday ruled Nicholas Cunningham, 33, competent to stand trial in the October 2023 killing of Gena M. Wade, 44, at Wade’s rural home on Courtney Road, north of Beloit.

Public education supporters plan massive rally at Ohio Statehouse: Columbus Dispatch
Thousands of teachers and public education supporters are expected to rally in the evening at the Ohio Statehouse on May 1 to demonstrate against the state legislature's budget proposal that many say will slash public school funding.

Opioid MDL Judge Won't Recuse Over Ex Parte Allegations: Law360
An Ohio federal judge will not step aside from multidistrict opioid litigation after the plaintiffs' attorney, who had alleged the judge "regularly communicates" with other lawyers involved in the litigation, testified that there was no such communication after all, the judge ruled Tuesday.