Judge suspended after 17 alleged conduct violations, including not disclosing stepson’s appearance in his court
The Ohio Supreme Court justices have suspended Sandusky County Common Pleas Court Judge Jon Ickes from the bench for two years without pay because of 17 alleged conduct violations, including presiding over cases that involved his stepson. (Photo from the Sandusky County Common Pleas Court)
The Ohio Supreme Court justices have suspended a county judge from the bench for two years without pay because of 17 alleged conduct violations, including presiding over cases that involved his stepson, according to a Wednesday press release from the court.
The state supreme court’s actions are in response to Sandusky County Common Pleas Court Judge Jon Ickes’ alleged behavior, including using a racial slur within earshot of a criminal defendant; using a “lewd and vulgar” nickname for a child rape case; and not disqualifying himself from two cases in which his stepson testified as a state law enforcement witness, among others.
Of the 17 allegations, the Ohio Supreme Court’s disciplinary counsel found that Ickes committed 10, according to the press release.
The justices noted that Ickes had not resigned, despite the disciplinary findings against him, and that “an actual suspension is necessary to protect the public and demonstrate that we will not tolerate the childish, inappropriate and vulgar behavior Ickes exhibited in chambers and in the courtroom,” the state supreme court said.
Bloomberg Law and Fox 8 News have coverage.
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