On Thursday, January 16, 2025, Cleveland Scene reported that Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze may face additional misconduct charges due to accusations of improperly directing lucrative divorce cases to a personal acquaintance. The Ohio Disciplinary Counsel has been granted an extension to submit an amended complaint concerning these allegations.
Initially scheduled for a disciplinary hearing this month, the hearing has now been postponed to March 31. Highland County Judge Rocky A. Coss, who is leading the three-member panel, has stated that no further extensions will be permitted. Following the panel’s findings, the Board of Professional Conduct will determine whether there was a violation of the judicial code, which could lead to recommendations for sanctions by the Ohio Supreme Court.
The misconduct claims against Celebrezze were first filed on September 26, and stemmed from a report by The Marshall Project – Cleveland. The report detailed her acceptance of several divorce cases while appointing her long-time friend, Mark Dottore, and his company to serve as receiver in those matters.
The Disciplinary Counsel’s complaint includes allegations that Celebrezze revealed her romantic feelings for Dottore to at least two fellow judges and consulted attorneys regarding a divorce from her husband. She is also accused of making false statements during the investigation and breaching various judicial conduct rules aimed at maintaining public trust and avoiding any appearance of impropriety.
In her response to the Disciplinary Counsel on October 30, Celebrezze acknowledged informing her colleagues of her feelings for Dottore but denied any romantic involvement.
Source: Cleveland Scene
