On Monday, November 10, 2025, Patrick J. Shank filed a complaint for a Writ of Mandamus and/or Procedendo with the Supreme Court of Ohio, naming the Medina County Court of Common Pleas and Judge James L. Kimbler as respondents. Shank, acting as his own legal representative (pro se), is currently an inmate at Belmont Correctional Institution.
Shank’s complaint alleges that Judge Kimbler had a conflict of interest during his original criminal trial in Medina County (Case No. 2012 CR 0645), thereby compromising the fairness of the proceedings. The core of Shank’s argument revolves around Judge Kimbler’s acknowledged relationship with the alleged victim in the case, Addie Meager, and the relationship between the court’s Administrative Assistant, Amanda Armstrong, and the alleged victim.
According to the complaint, during the trial, Judge Kimbler inquired about Addie Meager’s relation to a “Big Carl” Meager, revealing a past acquaintance. Shank contends that this familial connection, along with the Administrative Assistant’s relation to the alleged victim, created a conflict of interest that prejudiced the trial. He emphasizes that no waiver was signed regarding this conflict.
Shank argues that his attempts to raise this issue with the court since his conviction have been repeatedly dismissed on procedural grounds. He claims this constitutes a violation of his rights to due process, equal protection, and fundamental fairness as guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The complaint cites Ohio Judicial Canon R.2.11(A), which states that a judge should disqualify themselves in any proceeding where their impartiality might be questioned or if they or a close family member have more than a minimal interest that could be substantially affected by the proceeding. Shank asserts that Judge Kimbler’s acknowledgment of his relationship with the alleged victim should have prompted his recusal.
Shank further argues that the conflict of interest undermined the fundamental fairness of his trial, violating his due process rights under both the U.S. and Ohio Constitutions. He maintains that the procedural barriers preventing him from addressing this issue have left him without an adequate remedy.
Shank is seeking a Writ of Mandamus and/or Procedendo to overturn his criminal trial conviction in Case No. 2012 CR 0645. He requests either his release or a new trial be ordered.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
