On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, WTOL 11 reported that a Sandusky County Common Pleas Judge faces potential revocation of his law license due to allegations of misconduct. The Ohio Supreme Court’s Board of Professional Conduct held a hearing in Elyria to review the case against Judge Jon Ickes, following a formal complaint filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in October 2024.
The allegations against Ickes include sexual harassment, unprofessional behavior, and abuse of authority, spanning from 2021 to early 2024. According to court documents, Ickes created an inappropriate work environment through actions such as harassing a pregnant employee, using offensive language when discussing a child rape case, and allegedly using a racial slur within earshot of a criminal defendant. A 27-page disciplinary document details six counts of misconduct, supported by 67 exhibits and testimony from over two dozen potential witnesses, including Ickes and his bailiff, Candice Talbot.
Talbot was placed on paid administrative leave in May 2024 due to her connection to some of the investigated behaviors. The complaint also notes an incident where Ickes intervened in a disciplinary action involving Talbot, asserting that only he had the authority to investigate court employees, even when complaints targeted him. This action led human resources to halt its inquiry.
Ickes admitted to some allegations in a formal response to an amended complaint filed in January 2025, which includes over 230 lines detailing the accusations. The alleged misconduct involves inappropriate texts, conversations, images, and remarks directed at or about court staff and criminal defendants, violating both the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.
The three-member panel of the Board of Professional Conduct is tasked with deciding whether Ickes’ law license should be suspended or revoked. A revocation would prevent him from continuing to serve as a judge in Sandusky County.
The Ohio Supreme Court is expected to issue a final decision in the coming weeks, determining the outcome of Ickes’ ability to practice law and serve on the bench.
Source: WTOL 11
