July 26, 2024

‘Boneless’ chicken wings can have bones, the Ohio Supreme Court says: NPR
While the name may suggest otherwise,"boneless" chicken wings are not guaranteed to be free of bones, as decided Thursday by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Hamilton Co. Juvenile Court to hold third 'Safe Surrender Day' for anyone with outstanding juvenile warrants: WCPO
The Hamilton County Juvenile Court will host another "Safe Surrender Day" Friday — an event that creates an opportunity for anyone with outstanding juvenile warrants to "address the charge" and hopefully have a better outcome, according to a press release from the court.

Cleveland attorneys accuse man cleared in murder of carrying out ‘pattern of fraud’ as O’Malley launches probe: Cleveland.com
Attorneys for the city of Cleveland on Thursday fired harsh accusations at a man who served 15 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, saying that Ru-el Sailor carried out a “pattern of fraud” in multiple courts over the last two decades.

Akron agrees to enact police reforms as part of Jayland Walker protesters suit settlement: Akron Beacon Journal
More police reform could be coming to Akron after the city agreed in a federal lawsuit to change how its department responds to and treats protesters.

Democratic hopeful gets jail sentence: Tribune Chronicle
Brian Bob Kenderes, the Democratic nominee in the 14th Congressional District race, was sentenced to 30 days in the Lake County jail followed by two years of probation for a felony conviction of filing a false voter registration.

Titkemeier gets six months in jail for charity fraud: Toledo Blade
A woman who admitted to fraudulently accepting donations toward medical expenses for cancer she didn’t have received a six-month jail term plus probation and community service Thursday morning from a Lucas County judge.

'This is not justice': Family outraged over misdemeanor charge for Pickaway County shooting: Columbus Dispatch
An Ohio prison system firearms instructor is facing a negligent homicide charge in connection with the fatal shooting of Ohio prison Lt. Rodney Osborne at an April training session in Pickaway County.

 

July 25, 2024

Boneless chicken wings can have bones, Ohio Supreme Court rules: Columbus Dispatch
Just because you order boneless chicken wings at a restaurant does not mean you shouldn't expect to find bones, the Ohio Supreme Court said in a 4-3 ruling issued Thursday.

Lawsuit over chicken bone: Ohio court rules restaurant not responsible for injury: WLWT
The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled a Hamilton restaurant is not responsible for the injury caused by a customer swallowing a chicken bone after ordering boneless wings.

Ohio’s highest court says parent’s rights were not violated in local 2021 custody case: Zanesville Times Recorder
The Supreme Court of Ohio has set a new precedent in custody law due to a Muskingum County case in which a mother said she was denied due process in fighting for custody of her children.

Ohio Supreme Court to hear arguments in Dispatch lawsuit over Columbus police records: Columbus Dispatch
The Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to hear oral arguments in a case filed by The Dispatch against Columbus police.

Human resources firm investigates alleged inappropriate work environment at Sandusky County courthouse: WTOL
Inappropriate text messages, offensive nicknames and belittling court employees on the record are just a few of the dozens of unprofessional behaviors outlined in an outside investigation into Sandusky County Common Pleas Judge Jon Ickes by the Columbus-based human resources consulting firm Clemans-Nelson & Associates, Inc.

Kitto given life without parole for beating girlfriend's toddler son to death: Toledo Blade
A man convicted by a jury last week of fatally beating his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son will spend the rest of his days in state prison under the sentence a Lucas County judge handed down Wednesday.

Fatal fire nets Valley man life sentence: Tribune Chronicle
The courtroom of Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Sean O’Brien was filled with a mix of tension and emotion at the sentencing hearing for Brendan Daviduk on Wednesday.

Former Canton residents get jail time after moving away, leaving dog behind to starve: Canton Repository
Two Akron residents were ordered to spend two weekends in jail for leaving their dog behind to starve when they moved away from their rented Canton home last year.

Couple sues business in death of family pet: The Vindicator
A Ridgelawn Avenue couple has sued American Freight Furniture and Mattress, claiming a bed they purchased collapsed and killed their pregnant Maltese dog that was underneath at the time.

 

July 24, 2024

A man poured bleach on a stray kitten. Can he be charged with a felony in Ohio?: Columbus Dispatch
Alonzo Kyles poured bleach and water on an 8-month-old kitten at his Cleveland apartment complex, injuring the cat's paws and leaving the animal in intensive care for several days.

Ohio Supreme Court will hear Senate president’s fight against deposition: Ohio Capital Journal
The Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments as part of a lawsuit against private school vouchers in the state, to decide whether or not Senate President Matt Huffman needs to answer questions on the topic.

Bond revoked for man accused of killing Cleveland police officer and his own grandmother: WOIO
A Cuyahoga County Court judge ruled in favor of the motion filed by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office to revoke the bond for the man accused of killing Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter and his own grandmother.

Man shot by police near Blade gets 18 months in prison, faces unrelated gun charge: Toledo Blade
A man shot by police in front of The Blade building during a foot pursuit in the fall received an 18-month prison sentence Tuesday from a Lucas County judge.

Youngstown man gets 2 to 3 years in prison for burglary: The Vindicator
CeeJay Latimer, 21, Franklin Avenue, was sentenced to two to three years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to burglary, two counts of domestic violence and one count of child endangering.

Trotwood man accused of sexually assaulting, seriously injuring woman at hotel pleads guilty: Dayton Daily News
A Trotwood man accused of sexually assaulting and seriously injuring a woman at a Vandalia hotel has pleaded guilty to charges in three plea agreements filed July 16 in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

Mahoning commissioners OK applying for court grants: The Vindicator
Mahoning County Commissioners at their meeting last week approved two applications for grants to support prosecution of crimes against women and children.

Central Ohio school board hires controversial local attorney over vocal protest: Columbus Dispatch
Shouts of discontent Monday evening drowned out South-Western City Schools board members while they discussed hiring a lawyer on retainer. 

 

July 23, 2024

Matt Huffman claims he’s protected from testifying about school vouchers. How far does privilege extend in Ohio?: Cleveland.com
With a contentious school voucher lawsuit hovering in the background, Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman has sought to duck a subpoena demanding that he testify on topics that include any conversations he had with private school lobbyists outside of legislative chambers.

‘You’re a monster’: Cleveland mother sentenced to life in prison for beating toddler to death: Cleveland.com
A Cleveland mother who beat her 3-year-old son to death was sentenced Monday to life in prison with parole eligibility after 31 to 35 years.

Defiance man sentenced to prison for child sex abuse material: WTOL
A Defiance man was sentenced to more than two decades in prison.

Mariemont teen accused of plotting high school shooting sentenced: WCPO
A 14-year-old accused of conspiring to conduct a "mass casualty event" at Mariemont High School was sentenced Tuesday.

Sergio F. Gonzalez III, 23, of Youngstown given 10 years to life; fugitive for 2 years: The Vindicator
Over the course of about five weeks, Sergio F. Gonzalez III, 23, of Youngstown, went from being a two-year fugitive to being convicted at trial of rape and now sentenced to 10 years to life in prison.

Former YSU football player sentenced in assault case: WKBN
A former Youngstown State University football player who pleaded guilty to punching a man outside a downtown bar was sentenced Monday two years probation with the first 30 days in the Mahoning County jail.

Former Columbus Zoo CEO pleads guilty to 15 felonies related to theft scandal: Columbus Dispatch
The former CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium pleaded guilty today, the last of a handful of zoo executives to do so.

Youth accused of fatal crash while fleeing in stolen car is indicted on murder charge: Cleveland.com
A Cleveland youth accused of causing a fatal crash while fleeing from police in a stolen car has been indicted in adult court.

Columbus to spend $3.5M more on new municipal courthouse design, plans new stunt driving law: Columbus Dispatch
The city of Columbus' costs to design and build a new Franklin County Municipal Courthouse are rising.

 

July 22, 2024

Ohio Supreme Court: Open meetings laws must be reassessed in voting machine decisions: Ohio Capital Journal
The Ohio Supreme Court enforced the laws of grammar to reject a lower court decision that allowed closed-door discussions by the Stark County Board of Elections on the purchase of new voting machines.

Rare books can't be sold at Hebrew Union College for at least six months: WCPO
The rare books are safe — for now — at the Cincinnati campus of Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion.

Former Ohio University student imprisoned for stealing nearly $180,000 from fraternity: WCMH
A former Ohio University student will spend the next five years in prison after being sentenced for theft and fraud.

Prison murder trial delayed for convicted Bristolville killer; new charges filed: WFMJ
A former Bristolville man serving life in prison for murder in Trumbull County will not go on trial this week for killing a fellow prison inmate as he awaits a hearing on additional charges for another violent crime behind bars.

Semi driver charged in fiery Licking County bus crash that killed Tusky Valley students: Columbus Dispatch
The driver of a tractor-trailer that caused a chain reaction crash involving a charter bus that resulted in six people's deaths is now facing criminal charges.

Fifth former Columbus Zoo employee charged in $2.3 million scandal: WCMH
A fifth defendant in the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium fraud scandal was charged with theft Friday in an ongoing investigation into $2.3 million in stolen funds.

 

July 19, 2024

Ohio Supreme Court cites grammar rules, overturns Stark County Board of Election case: Canton Repository
The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that the Stark County Board of Elections could only discuss in executive session the purchase of voting machines if "premature disclosure" of the information discussed in private would give a private party an unfair bargaining advantage.

Man shot, wounded by off-duty Kettering police officer pleads guilty to robbery: Dayton Daily News
A man shot and wounded by an off-duty Kettering police officer faces nearly 20 years in prison for robbing a store in Riverside, abducting a man there and forcing him to drive to Meijer in Kettering to withdraw money from his bank account.

Both sides agree: Stakes are high in lawsuit over Ohio juvenile transgender rights: WSYX
As the final day approaches of an anticipated week-long hearing on the legality of an Ohio law limiting gender care for juveniles, the two sides actually agree on something: The outcome is tremendously important to Ohio's future.

Ohio mom who crushed baby's skull before leaving body to decompose learns sentence: Columbus Dispatch
A mother who crushed her 4-month-old baby's skull and left his body to decompose before calling police will serve at least 20 years behind bars.

Ohio man sentenced for killing a killer in Franklinton home: Columbus Dispatch
A man who had gone to a Franklinton home in May 2021 to help clean up a homicide scene, only to kill the man who called him, will spend more than 10 years in prison.

Man pleads guilty in 2021 execution killing outside Westwood Walmart: Cincinnati Enquirer
A 28-year-old man pleaded guilty Thursday in the 2021 daytime killing of another man in the crowded parking lot of a Westwood Walmart.

Doctors provide conflicting analyses from toddler's autopsy during murder trial: Toledo Blade
Lucas County Coroner Thomas Blomquist and one of his office’s former deputy coroners agreed in court testimony Thursday that a 3-year-old boy’s October, 2022, death was caused by severe head and neck trauma, but they differed on whether he was a homicide victim.

Columbus plans new courthouse building Downtown: WCMH
A building named after Franklin County’s longest-serving sheriff will be demolished after the City of Columbus purchased it for $7 million for a new court building.

Parma will pay $50,000 to mother, children of man who died by suicide in city jail: Cleveland.com
Parma taxpayers will pay $50,000 to the mother and young children of a man who died by suicide while he was being held in the city’s jail after his 2022 arrest.

Man who spent 20 years in prison for murder he didn’t commit sues Cleveland, Cuyahoga County: Cleveland.com
A Lorain man who spent 20 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit sued Cleveland and Cuyahoga County on Thursday, saying police “framed” him for the deadly 2001 shooting.

Canton to pay $25,000 to settle federal civil rights lawsuit: Canton Repository
The city will pay $25,000 to resolve a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by a protester who was arrested after cursing at a city police officer.

 

July 18, 2024

Upcoming Ohio Supreme Court decisions could make it even harder to develop solar power in the state: Energy News Network
A pair of upcoming decisions by Ohio’s top court could further empower local opponents to block clean energy in what is already one of the hardest states to site new renewable projects. 

Ohio Supreme Court orders East Cleveland to pay man police beat, locked in broom closet over $30 million: Cleveland.com
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that East Cleveland must pay $30 million to a man whom officers unlawfully arrested, beat and confined to a storage closet for four days.

Final phase of 10-year Licking County Courthouse renovation underway to restore its grand original courtroom: The Reporting Project
The original courtroom in the 148-year-old Licking County Courthouse is filled with artwork and stained glass so ornate that even some of those accused of heinous crimes sit in awe.

Akron court offering Summit County fugitives rare safe surrender option next month: Cleveland.com
The Akron Municipal Court is partnering with local agencies for the Summit County Fugitive Safe Surrender initiative Aug. 7-10 at House of the Lord, located at 1650 Diagonal Road.

Fairborn mural a tribute to aviation, done by kids in juvenile court system: Dayton Daily News
Swaths of red, white, and blue paint have gone up on the wall of a longtime local business in Fairborn, as a tribute to Fairborn’s aviation history painted by kids involved with the Greene County Juvenile Court.

Drug smuggling charges against Butler County Jail intern dropped: Cincinnati Enquirer
Felony charges against a teenager accused of smuggling contraband into an Ohio jail while working there as an intern have been dropped.

Snapchat killer who posted fatal beating, stabbing on social media sentenced: Columbus Dispatch
A man who admitted to beating and stabbing another man to death before posting videos of the attack on Snapchat will never be a free man again.

Ariel Walters sentenced to community control after pleading guilty to charges connected to Lakewood Amber Alert case: WKYC
30-year-old Ariel Walters, the woman at the center of a days-long Amber Alert in Lakewood late last year, has been sentenced to two years of community control under the supervision of the adult probation department.

Warren man sentenced to 10 years in possession case: Tribune Chronicle
Antonio Smith, 42, of Lansdowne Avenue NW, Warren, received consecutive prison sentences totaling 10 years and was fined $45,000 after pleading guilty to four counts of trafficking in cocaine, two counts possession of cocaine and one count each of possession of a fentanyl-related compound and having weapons while under disability.

Man sentenced to 18 months in prison for domestic violence: Tribune Chronicle
Robert J. Stauffer Jr., 47, of Roberts Avenue NW, Warren, was sentenced to 18 months in prison Wednesday on felony charges of domestic violence and attempted failure to comply with order / signal of police officer.

Counsel: Overwhelming support for EP settlement: The Vindicator
According to Tuesday’s filing by lead counsel that brokered the $600 million class action settlement between Norfolk Southern and East Palestine residents to remedy damages caused by last year’s train derailment, community members have “overwhelmingly” supported the deal.

Teachers union sues Columbus City Schools over substitute teacher contracts: WBNS
The union representing teachers and substitute teachers inside Columbus City Schools is suing the district, claiming CCS violated state law.

 

July 17, 2024

Ohio Supreme Court orders East Cleveland to pay man more than $30 million: Spectrum News
East Cleveland needs to pay more than $30 million after “unlawfully arresting a man, beating him, and confining him in a storage closet for four days,” according to a post from Court News Ohio summarizing the decision.

Appeals court reverses two rulings: Tribune Chronicle
Ohio’s 11th District Court of Appeals on Friday reversed two rulings by a Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge.

Akron man sentenced to 3 years in prison for accidental house fire that killed two: Akron Beacon Journal
After facing two juries that could not reach a verdict, a 39-year-old Akron man was sentenced to three years in prison for causing a 2022 North Hill house fire that killed two people.

Akron man who pleaded guilty to causing fatal fiery crash gets 8 to 12 years in prison: Akron Beacon Journal
A 19-year-old Akron man will serve eight to 12 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to causing a fiery crash that left one person dead and two injured, including himself.

Suspect accused of mass shooting in Cleveland Warehouse District found guilty on all counts: Cleveland.com
Jaylon Jennings, accused of carrying out a mass shooting in downtown Cleveland last summer that wounded nine people, has been convicted.

2 Akron residents plead guilty in 2023 shooting that left 1 dead, 2 injured: Akron Beacon Journal
One day before they were scheduled to appear before a jury on July 9, two 27-year-old Akron residents pleaded guilty to charges including involuntary manslaughter, a third-degree felony, in a shooting that left one dead and two injured in May 2023.

Zanesville woman pleads guilty on felony charges for calling 911 nearly 400 times: WCMH
A woman has pleaded guilty to felony charges after calling 911 nearly 400 times complaining of various illnesses.

Ex-Metro driver could spend 180 days in jail in death of retired schoolteacher: Cincinnati Enquirer
The former Metro bus driver who hit and killed an 87-year-old retired schoolteacher in January will face up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine when sentenced in the case next month. 

Woman accused of killing toddler outside North Olmsted store is incompetent to stand trial, lawyer says: Cleveland.com
Bionca Ellis, accused of fatally stabbing a 3-year-old boy in a North Olmsted parking lot in broad daylight last month, is incompetent to stand trial, her attorney argued in court Tuesday.

Mom of victim takes stand: The Vindicator
Bobbi Gray, mother of Logan Taylor, 14, testified Tuesday in Mahoning County Juvenile Court that she did not want Logan to sleep over at the home three doors away from Logan’s friend, Masiahs Gentry, on Nov. 11, and told Logan no.

Trial starts for man charged with death of girlfriend's toddler son: Toledo Blade
Police and rescue officers who responded to a Sylvania Township home where a dying 3-year-old child was found after his mother’s boyfriend called 911 were immediately skeptical of the boyfriend’s explanation for the child’s condition, testimony Tuesday at the start of the boyfriend’s murder trial showed.

 

July 16, 2024

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor calls out juvenile court judge on light sentence for violent offender: WOIO
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley is fed up with juvenile court judges letting kids skate on serious charges.

Is Ohio law banning gender-affirming care constitutional? Trial began Monday: Columbus Dispatch
Ohio's transgender youth could get some clarity on their healthcare after this week.

Judge denies city’s motion in police case: The Vindicator
A Mahoning County Common Pleas Court judge rejected a motion for reconsideration filed by Youngstown over her decision in a longstanding case involving a police detective sergeant — and the city will appeal.

Juror misconduct causes another delay in Moore trial: The Vindicator
Juror misconduct on Monday has caused the Robert L. Moore murder trial to be postponed again. Moore is accused in the 2009 disappearance and presumed murder of Glenna J. White, 16, of Alliance.

Matthew Wells case: Longtime fireman to serve 60 days in jail: Mansfield News Journal
Longtime firefighter Matthew Wells did not avoid incarceration for stealing from taxpayers.

Ohio Disciplinary Office Recommends Two-Year Law License Suspension for Judge Timothy Grendell: Cleveland Scene
After two delays in 2023, and a heated conduct hearing in February, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel of the Ohio Supreme Court has suggested that Judge Timothy Grendell face a two-year suspension of his law license.

 

July 15, 2024

Trial over Moundbuilders Country Club lease of Octagon Earthworks canceled: Newark Advocate
The long-awaited trial over the valuation of Moundbuilders Country Club's lease on the Octagon Earthworks expected to begin Monday in Licking County Common Pleas Court has been canceled.

Akron man receives life sentence for 2010 rape in Barberton: Cleveland.com
An Akron man currently in prison was sentenced to life Friday after he was convicted of the 2010 rape of a woman in Barberton.

Man sentenced after child sexually-oriented material found in online account: WCMH
A Columbus man was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for possessing material showing minors engaging in sexual activities.

Austintown women get 3-year sentence for abuse of boy: The Vindicator
Victoria L. Hawkins, 33, and Jhanette Shipp, 29, both of Westminster Avenue in Austintown, have been sentenced to three years in prison in an abuse case that involved Hawkins’ son, who was between 4 and 7 years old at the time.

15-year-old charged in Niles death: Tribune Chronicle
Fifteen-year-old Andrew James Cunningham, who is charged with murder, will remain in detention while waiting for his next pretrial hearing as prosecuting attorneys await lab results and a coroner’s report.

Hudson reaches $80,000 settlement agreement with former city manager: Akron Beacon Journal
Hudson City Council voted 6-0 Wednesday to pay its former city manager $80,000 to settle a dispute that followed her contentious exit from the position two years ago.