On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Court News Ohio reported that the Supreme Court of Ohio suspended former Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Judge Leslie Celebrezze from practicing law for two years, with one year stayed. The decision stems from Celebrezze’s violation of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio and local court rules, specifically regarding the random assignment of judges to cases.
The Supreme Court found that Celebrezze bypassed the standard procedure by assigning cases directly to herself. This action, according to the court, undermined the impartiality of the judicial system.
The disciplinary proceedings against Celebrezze arose after concerns were raised about her handling of certain divorce cases. Notably, Celebrezze appointed or recommended the appointment of Mark Dottore, a long-time friend and romantic interest, as a receiver or mediator in some of these cases. Records show that Celebrezze authorized a payout of $241,935 in receiver fees to Dottore and $171,859 in fees to Dottore’s attorney in one particular case.
Celebrezze admitted to 15 violations of professional and judicial conduct rules. While she initially suggested a public reprimand as a suitable sanction, the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel recommended a one-year suspension with six months stayed.
Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy, writing for the Court, asserted that Celebrezze’s actions, characterized by conflicts of interest and disregard for established court rules, warranted a more severe penalty. The Court deemed a two-year suspension necessary to address the damage inflicted on public trust in the legal system. Justices Patrick F. Fischer, Joseph T. Deters, Daniel R. Hawkins, and Megan E. Shanahan joined Chief Justice Kennedy’s opinion. Justices R. Patrick DeWine and Jennifer Brunner did not participate in the case.
The violations of random case assignment rules came to light in several divorce cases. In one instance, Celebrezze reassigned to herself the divorce case between Jason and Crystal Jardine, initially assigned to Judge Tonya Jones. Judge Jones had previously appointed Dottore as a receiver in the case, reportedly at Celebrezze’s suggestion. After Judge Jones recused herself, Celebrezze directly reassigned the case to herself, circumventing the random reassignment process mandated by court rules.
Jason Jardine, an involved party, hired a private investigator who documented Celebrezze’s frequent visits to Dottore’s office and home, as well as their public socializing. The investigator also witnessed an exchange of a kiss between Celebrezze and Dottore. Jardine successfully sought Celebrezze’s removal from the case.
Further investigation revealed that Celebrezze had also contacted Judge Colleen Reali, requesting the transfer of another contentious divorce case to her. Celebrezze then falsely stated that the case had been randomly assigned to her.
In response to these actions, Jardine filed a grievance with the disciplinary counsel. Celebrezze initially downplayed her relationship with Dottore, but later admitted to having a deeper emotional attachment. The professional conduct board concluded that there was no evidence of a sexual relationship between Celebrezze and Dottore.
The Supreme Court considered several aggravating and mitigating factors in determining the appropriate sanction. Aggravating factors included a pattern of misconduct, multiple offenses, a false statement during the disciplinary investigation, and a dishonest or selfish motive. Mitigating factors included Celebrezze’s lack of prior disciplinary record, letters from community members attesting to her integrity, and her cooperation with the disciplinary proceedings.
The second year of Celebrezze’s suspension is contingent upon her abstaining from further misconduct. She is also required to cover the costs of the disciplinary proceedings.
Source: Court News Ohio
