On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, The Columbus Dispatch reported that Delaware County Common Pleas Court Judge James P. Schuck is facing allegations of sexual assault and stalking.
The accusations stem from a civil stalking protection order filed on November 25 in Delaware County Common Pleas Court, wherein Schuck is accused of sexually assaulting an assistant prosecuting attorney and repeatedly pressuring her for sex at her apartment.
The complaint alleges that on May 13, Schuck forced the victim to perform sexual acts. Furthermore, on at least two separate occasions, he allegedly appeared at her Delaware apartment and attempted to coerce her into sexual activity, despite having previously acknowledged and apologized for pressuring her into sex. The victim also claims that Schuck used the court’s security and CCTV systems to secretly record and watch her, and that he distributed these videos to others.
In response to these allegations, Common Pleas Court Judge Marianne Hemmeter, the administrative judge for the county, has publicly called for Schuck to take a leave of absence while an investigation is conducted. Hemmeter emphasized the importance of public trust and ethical standards for those in government, particularly judges. She stated that Schuck stepping aside would benefit all parties involved and demonstrate a commitment to upholding ethical conduct.
Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel stated that after receiving an anonymous letter alleging an improper relationship between an assistant prosecutor and a sitting judge, the assistant prosecutor in question was removed from her cases and reassigned to a different division within the prosecutor’s office.
Schiffel’s office is conducting an internal review of the allegations and the cases that could potentially be impacted. A special prosecutor from outside the county has been requested to independently review these cases, and all defendants potentially affected by the situation have been notified through their attorneys. Schiffel’s office is refraining from further comment to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
The Ohio Supreme Court’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel is also investigating the matter. This office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting ethical misconduct accusations against attorneys, judges, and magistrates. All attorneys and judicial officers in Ohio are required to adhere to the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, while judges and magistrates must also comply with the Code of Judicial Conduct.
James P. Schuck was elected to the Delaware County Common Pleas Court in November 2018 and began his term on January 1, 2019. He was reelected in November 2024. Prior to his judicial service, Schuck worked for 17 years at the Bricker Graydon law firm, specializing in general commercial litigation, election litigation, and class action lawsuits. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Ohio Judicial Conference, the Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association, and the Delaware County Bar Association.
Schuck served as Presiding Judge of the Common Pleas Court in 2021 and 2025 and Administrative Judge of the General Division in 2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025. Schuck holds a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a law degree from Capital University Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude.
Source: The Columbus Dispatch
