AUGUST 1, 2025

Ohio woman who had her car repossessed by the dealer takes legal ownership of dealership name in a revenge move for the ages: Fortune
An Ohio woman, whose car was repossessed by the dealership just one month after she bought it, has pulled off a revenge move for the ages.

Franklin County Court hosts 'Bridging the Gap' event: WSYX
The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas General Division held "Bridging the Gap: The Court and Community Together," a special community-focused event on Thursday.

Embattled Geauga County judge sues county over $300K in attorneys’ fees: Cleveland.com
Embattled Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Timothy Grendell has sued the county commissioners after they denied $300,000 in legal fees for his disciplinary case and appeals.

Judge sentenced in DUI crash; thanks court and trooper: WKBN
Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald Rice has pleaded guilty to DUI.

Case against Gregory Moore could take months before it goes to a jury: Cleveland.com
It could take several months before Gregory Moore goes before a judge and jury in the death of Aliza Sherman.

Jury finds Northeast Side woman not guilty of murder in 2021 shooting death of boyfriend: Columbus Dispatch
A Franklin County jury found a Northeast Side woman not guilty of murder in the 2021 shooting death of the father of her child.

'Broke our family into pieces': Man sentenced for killing wife with young kids in backseat: Cincinnati Enquirer
An Indiana man was driving with his family when he fatally shot his wife after they crossed state lines into Ohio. Now he’ll spend decades in prison.

Canton man sentenced for shooting, killing 75-year-old, holding bar patrons at gunpoint: WOIO
A Canton man was sentenced on Friday for shooting and killing a 75-year-old outside a bar.

Bryce Witchey pleads guilty to all 31 counts in Richland County Common Pleas Court: Richland Source
Bryce Witchey pleaded guilty Thursday in Richland County Common Pleas Court to all 31 felony counts filed against him more than a year ago.

Medical facility worker pleads guilty to sexually abusing patient in Dayton: Dayton Daily News
A medical worker accused of sexually abusing a 17-year-old patient pleaded guilty earlier this week.

 

JULY 30, 2025

What's next for old eviction records in Hamilton County?: WVXU
Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Pavan Parikh says he doesn’t anticipate additional litigation related to online eviction records. The Ohio Supreme Court recently ruled against the clerk in a dispute between his office and the Municipal Court judges.

Man who 'wanted to kill' White Cincinnati police officer found guilty at trial: Cincinnati Enquirer
When a Cincinnati police officer responded to a report of a suspicious person at Sawyer Point Park, he was attacked and disarmed of his Taser and baton by a man who prosecutors said “wanted to kill a White police officer.”

Former official in Vienna sent to prison for 8 years: Youngstown Vindicator
Linda McCullough will have the next eight years to think about her actions. That’s because McCullough, who served as Vienna’s fiscal officer from 2019 to early 2024, was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison Tuesday morning to be served at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville.

Ryan Widmer has first parole hearing today for 2008 murder of his wife in Warren County: Dayton Daily News
Ryan Widmer, a Warren County man convicted in the 2008 death of his wife, Sarah, is scheduled today to have his first parole hearing

Buckeye Lake shooting suspect pleads not guilty to murder in July 11 karaoke night death: Columbus Dispatch
The Newark man accused of fatally shooting a Mount Vernon man July 11 during a karaoke night at a Buckeye Lake bar has pleaded not guilty.

Reer trial delayed: Sandusky Register
Amanda Dean murder suspect Fred Reer appeared in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing. Reer, 41, was present in the courtroom for the hearing with his attorney Anthony Rich.

Indiana attorney shortage commission releases final report: Indiana Capital Chronicle
The Commission on Indiana’s Legal Future, tasked with brainstorming attorney shortage fixes, has released a final report packed with new recommendations and updates on ongoing initiatives.

JULY 28, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court boots Whitehall council candidate from ballot: Columbus Dispatch
The Ohio Supreme Court has thrown a Whitehall City Council candidate off the November ballot, saying she does not meet the residency requirements to run.

Former Columbus police officer Adam Coy sentenced to life in prison for murder of Andre Hill: Columbus Dispatch
Nearly nine months after becoming the first Columbus police officer convicted of murder in an on-duty death, a judge sentenced Adam Coy to life in prison.

Lawsuit filed against Cleveland officers who shot at woman fleeing gunfire: Cleveland.com
The mother of Antwoina Carter has filed a lawsuit against two Cleveland police officers who shot at her daughter’s car during a chaotic and deadly incident last year.

2 men sentenced for 2024 murder of pregnant Toledo woman and her unborn child: Toledo Blade
Two men convicted in the 2024 murder of a pregnant Toledo woman were sentenced Monday afternoon to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Monday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Driver sentenced for fatal motorcycle crash in Warren: WFMJ
A Warren man has started serving a three-month jail sentence after pleading to vehicular homicide in connection with a fatal motorcycle crash.

Second man sentenced in theft of nearly $6K from older adults in Montgomery County: Dayton Daily News
A second man accused of stealing nearly $6,000 from two older adults in Montgomery County was sentenced to probation.

Eminent domain battle with Anchor Church returns to Zanesville City Council's agenda: Zanesville Times Recorder
The fate of an eminent domain issue between the City of Zanesville and Anchor Church is going back before Zanesville City Council on July 28. It could be the last time.

 

JULY 25, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court to hear appeal in wrongful death suit: The Daily Reporter
The Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal of a lower court ruling in a wrongful death suit filed by the estate of a man killed when a group of teens on a highway bridge dropped a sandbag on the car in which he was travelling.

A state appeals court agrees that Athens’ plastic bag ban is unconstitutional: WOUB
A state appeals court has ruled the city of Athens’ ban on plastic bags is unconstitutional.

Appellate panel upholds decision in prolonged custody case: The Daily Reporter
A Franklin County appellate panel was not convinced by the appeal of a woman who faulted a trial court’s divorce decree and designation of her ex-husband as sole legal custodian of the couple’s two minor children.

Jury awards $27M to estate of man killed in sidewalk fight outside Short North bar: Columbus Dispatch
A Franklin County jury has awarded a $27-million to the estate of a man who died after being sucker punched outside a bar in Columbus' Short North, most of which was directed at the defendant bar and its ownership.

Juvenile court judge recuses herself from case after police union's Facebook post: Cincinnati Enquirer
A Hamilton County Juvenile Court judge recused herself from a case July 23 after Cincinnati’s police union made a Facebook post that she says is false.

Dog owner calls vicious attack on her cousin and a little girl 'a horrible freak accident': Columbus Dispatch
A dog owner fighting misdemeanor charges in a vicious dog attack defended her pets and said her cousin, who was severely injured, was in charge of the dogs at the time.

Man sentenced to at least 40 years in prison for double shooting in Dayton: Dayton Daily News
A 49-year-old man was ordered to spend decades in prison for a double shooting that killed a man and seriously injured a woman more than a year ago in Dayton.

Struthers man accused of dragging woman with SUV receives sentence: WKBN
A Struthers man accused of dragging a woman across a city street pleaded guilty to an amended charge and was sentenced earlier this month.

 

JULY 23, 2025

Ohio courts must adopt plans to improve criminal data reporting under new Supreme Court rule: WTRF
The Supreme Court of Ohio has adopted a new rule that will require all state courts to implement a local reporting policy and written compliance plan aimed at improving how critical criminal information is entered into law enforcement databases, according to Court News Ohio.

Ohio Supreme Court won't intervene in Danny Brown's quest to be declared 'wrongfully imprisoned' for 1981 murder: WTOL
Once again, Danny Brown has lost a court battle to be declared wrongfully imprisoned for the 1981 murder of Bobbie Russell in Toledo.

Ohio Supreme Court to decide fate of transgender medical treatment law: Cleveland.com
The Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to decide on the constitutionality of a controversial state law prohibiting minors from receiving gender-affirming medical treatment.

Girard judge steps aside from Trumbull Judge Rice's felony gun case: WFMJ
A Girard Municipal Court judge has stepped aside from the case involving Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald J. Rice, who faces charges including a felony count of improperly handling a firearm in a vehicle.

Judge approves settlement for family of man who died in Realty Building explosion: WKBN
Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert Rusu Monday approved a proposed settlement for the mother of the man who died in the Realty Building explosion last year.

‘Her life mattered’: Cleveland pair gets life in prison for murder of 10-year-old Gracie Griffin: Cleveland.com
A judge Monday sentenced two Cleveland men to life in prison for the murder of 10-year-old Gracie Griffin last summer.

Case Western vandalism case: One pleads guilty, two enter diversion programs: Cleveland.com
A Cleveland Heights woman pleaded guilty Monday for her role in causing $400,000 in damage to Case Western Reserve University last year.

Columbus' City Attorney sues North Linden bar for violence, code: Columbus Dispatch
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein filed a lawsuit against a North Linden bar for a number of infractions, including liquor and health code violations and a history of violent crimes.

Is it legal to drive barefoot in Ohio? What to know before getting behind the wheel: Columbus Dispatch
After a long day outside in the muggy Ohio summer heat, people may decide to drive barefoot. But is it legal?

Ohio updates law on golf carts and slow-moving vehicles: WCMH
Golf carts and other slow-moving vehicles have become a frequent sight in central Ohio communities since a 2017 law allowed them on public roads; however, a recent update to the law has tweaked its details.

Family of 4-year-old fatally struck by stolen Kia files lawsuit against automaker: WCMH
The family of a 4-year-old boy who was fatally struck by a stolen Kia has filed a lawsuit against the automaker, seeking more than $15 million in damages.

 

JULY 21, 2025

Piketon man found guilty of 4 counts of murder in traffic accident: The Ironton Tribune
An Ohio State Highway Patrol report from May 24, 2024, said that Gage A. Smith, now 24, of Piketon, was driving a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier northbound on State Route 104.

Trumbull County judge charged with DUI and felony gun offense: WKBN
Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald Rice was charged Monday with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, a first-degree misdemeanor and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a fifth-degree felony, in connection with an incident on Friday.

Campbell Municipal Court bailiff arrested for drug possession: WFMJ
A Campbell Municipal Court judge's bailiff was arrested early Sunday morning on drug charges.

Lawsuit: Marion City Council member alleges career, reputation destroyed by rape charges: Marion Star
A Marion City Council member accused of raping a 13-year-old girl is suing the Marion County prosecutor and 11 others in connection with the case, which prosecutors dismissed in January as they say they continue to gather more evidence.

‘Toxic relationship’ lands former North Ridgeville teacher in jail: Cleveland.com
A North Ridgeville teacher guilty of misdemeanors in the stalking of her former boyfriend will spend the week behind bars.

 

JULY 17 - 18, 2025

Ohio Supreme Court strikes down Maumee recall election: Toledo Blade
The Ohio Supreme Court has invalidated a petitioned recall of Maumee’s mayor and six councilmen because the city’s charter contains no procedure for a recall election.

Appeals court says East Cleveland Council president is the new mayor of the city: Cleveland.com
The 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals on Thursday declared East Cleveland’s Council president, Lateek Shabazz, the city’s new mayor.

Investigators recommend Sandusky County judge be suspended for sexual, judicial misconduct: WTOL
A Sandusky County judge accused of fostering a toxic, vulgar and sexually charged workplace environment is facing a two-year suspension from practicing law after a disciplinary counsel investigation found he committed 13 violations of judicial conduct rules.

‘A sudden act of violence’: Defendant punches prosecutor in front of Cuyahoga County jury: Cleveland.com
A Cleveland man, facing charges of attempted murder, became enraged and punched an assistant county prosecutor Thursday in front of jurors, according to testimony.

Montgomery County public defenders file class action lawsuit against county, cite ‘vast disparities’ in pay: Dayton Daily News
Employees of the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office have filed a class action lawsuit against the county for its alleged failure to pay public defenders on par with county prosecutors, as mandated by state code.

Man sentenced to prison for setting Warren County home on fire with his girlfriend inside: Dayton Daily News
A man is going to prison after he pleaded guilty to multiple charges of aggravated arson and felonious assault on a police officer, Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell announced. Judge Timothy Tepe sentenced 62-year-old Michael Burch to 21 to 24 years in prison on Wednesday.

Lorain attorney arrested Tuesday at county Justice Center after alleged domestic incident at home: Elyria Chronicle Telegram
An attorney who showed up in Common Pleas Court at the Lorain County Justice Center in Elyria on Tuesday to represent a client left in handcuffs after Lorain police arrested him on a domestic violence warrant.

Former Ohio sheriff’s deputy gets 90 years in prison for rape of child, other sex crimes: Cleveland.com
A man who once was a sheriff’s deputy in Clermont County was sentenced Thursday to 90 years in prison for the rape of a young child and numerous other sex crimes, reports say.

Teen arrested at Red, White and Blue Ash to face charge of assault on a police officer: enquirer.com
A Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge ruled on July 17 that a 13-year-old arrested during Red, White and Blue Ash will continue to face a felony charge of assaulting a police officer.

 

JULY 15 - 16, 2025

'I wanted to be a better human' | Clermont County alternative sentencing program tackles substance abuse: WCPO
For many struggling with substance, landing in jail can feel like rock bottom. Clermont County has a program that gives individuals another option.

Former attorney Adam Stone pleaded guilty to two felonies; could spend 54 months in prison: Mansfield News Journal
Adam Stone has become a felon. The former attorney pleaded guilty Monday to third-degree felony telecommunications fraud and fourth-degree felony impersonation of a peace officer or private police officer.

Attorneys for Blendon Twp. cop charged with murder want trial moved out of Franklin County: Columbus Dispatch
Attorneys for a Blendon Township police officer charged with murder in the shooting death of 21-year-old Ta'Kiya Young want his trial moved out of Franklin County.

Legal expert explains twists, turns in Clerk of Courts Foley criminal case: Dayton Daily News
A year after his indictment on charges related to political activity and other allegations, Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Mike Foley’s case continues at the courthouse.

Shakedown or boycott? A jury must decide whether a Cleveland man is an activist or an extortionist: Cleveland.com
A Cuyahoga County jury will decide whether the leader of a grassroots Cleveland activist group crossed the line into extortion when armed members stood outside a gas station last summer.

Mother sentenced to prison for charges related to Cleveland infant's 2023 death: WKYC
Diamond Caldwell, the Cleveland woman who pleaded guilty to child endangerment in connection with her infant son's death from blunt impacts to the head, received her sentence on Monday.

Woman who helped direct Cleveland street takeovers gets 18 months in prison: Cleveland.com
A Port Clinton woman who helped lead several of last year’s Cleveland street takeovers was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months in prison.

Woman gets 90 days in jail for her role in rolling fight over man: WKBN
One of two women who police said tried to run each other over during a rolling fight over a man was sentenced Monday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to 90 days in jail as part of her probation.

Wayne County man pleads guilty to sex crimes involving children: WOIO
A Wayne County man pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to a total of six charges involving sex crimes and children.

Columbus man convicted of murder in 2022 shooting that killed two, injured two more: Columbus Dispatch
A Columbus man was convicted of murder in a 2022 shooting at a sports bar that left two men dead and two others injured.

 

JULY 14, 2025

Garfield Heights man convicted of conspiracy in ‘O.K. Corral’ shootout: Cleveland.com
A Cuyahoga County jury Thursday found a Garfield Heights man guilty of conspiracy to commit aggravated murder in a shootout that killed two people in Cleveland’s Union-Miles Park neighborhood.

Youngstown man sentenced to 11 to 15 years for crash that killed 12-year-old boy: WFMJ
A Youngstown man who pleaded guilty to charges in a crash that claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy has learned his fate.

West Chester woman accused of making false reports of Dayton shooter sentenced: Dayton Daily News
A West Chester woman was sentenced to probation for reportedly making false 911 calls about a shooter in Dayton.

2 men convicted of involuntary manslaughter for central Toledo restaurant shooting: Toledo Blade
Two men charged with aggravated murder for a fatal shooting Sept. 14 at a central Toledo restaurant entered no-contest pleas Friday to reduced charges in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Man pleads guilty to fatal drunk-driving crash: WKBN
A Struthers man accused of driving drunk and causing a crash earlier this year that killed a mother and one of her sons in New Middletown pleaded guilty Monday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Local history: What’s the story behind that boulder at the Summit County Courthouse?: Akron Beacon Journal
Many of the names are well known. Others aren’t too familiar.

Meet the chickens: Kettering man’s pets or farm animals?: Dayton Daily News
The Combs family of Kettering has a flock of pet chickens in their backyard, but whether or not the 18 chickens violate the city’s rules against backyard chickens is up for debate with the city’s zoning appeals board.

Family sues for change after autistic 19-year-old dies from injuries in Ohio jail: Columbus Dispatch
The family of an autistic 19-year-old man who died after his time in the Montgomery County Jail is suing the county and the company that provides medical care in the jail.