On Monday, July 21, 2025, Michael Rexroad filed a notice of appeal in the Supreme Court of Ohio challenging a decision made by Judge Mark E. Kuhn of the Scioto County Common Pleas Court. Rexroad, who is currently incarcerated, seeks to overturn his conviction and sentence, asserting that his constitutional rights were violated during the judicial process.

Rexroad was indicted in June 2020 on multiple serious felony counts, including rape and sexual battery. Initially pleading not guilty, he later changed his plea to guilty on one count of gross sexual imposition and two counts of sexual battery in July 2021. The court sentenced him to a total of 20 years in prison. Following his conviction, Rexroad filed an appeal, which was affirmed by the Fourth District Court of Appeals in January 2023.

In September 2024, Rexroad filed a motion to vacate or set aside his conviction, claiming ineffective assistance from his defense counsel and violations of his constitutional rights. Judge Kuhn scheduled a non-oral hearing for this motion but subsequently issued a ruling denying it on November 7, 2024. Despite this ruling, Rexroad alleged that Judge Kuhn failed to address two motions he had filed, prompting him to seek a writ of procedendo, a legal remedy to compel the court to act.

The case underscores significant procedural issues, with Rexroad arguing that he did not receive a fair trial due to his defense attorney’s failure to adequately represent him. He contends that his counsel did not inform the court about statutory violations concerning court costs and did not request a waiver, despite his status as an indigent defendant.

In response to Rexroad’s claims, the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office, representing Judge Kuhn, filed a motion to dismiss Rexroad’s petition for a writ of procedendo, arguing that the matter had become moot. The court had already ruled on Rexroad’s motions, which he claimed were still pending. The Prosecutor’s Office maintained that Rexroad’s allegations were unfounded, as Judge Kuhn had fulfilled his judicial duties.

The ongoing litigation highlights the complexities of the legal system, particularly regarding post-conviction relief. As Rexroad pursues his appeal in the Supreme Court, the implications of Judge Kuhn’s decisions will be closely scrutinized, especially given the serious nature of the underlying charges and the claims of constitutional violations.

Rexroad’s appeal process will continue as he seeks to challenge the rulings made by Judge Kuhn, with the outcome potentially impacting not only his case but also broader questions related to the rights of defendants in similar situations.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.