On Monday, November 11, 2024, Cleveland Scene reported that Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze responded to allegations of misconduct regarding her handling of divorce cases. The Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Judge faces a disciplinary hearing scheduled for January 30-31, 2025, in Columbus, where a panel will evaluate charges that she improperly directed lucrative divorce cases to her personal friend, Mark Dottore.
In her response submitted on October 30, 2023, Celebrezze acknowledged disclosing her feelings about Dottore to fellow judges but insisted that these feelings were not expressed in a romantic context. She denied any inappropriate relationship with Dottore, despite the allegations suggesting otherwise. The Ohio Disciplinary Counsel claims that her actions may have violated rules of judicial conduct, including maintaining public confidence and avoiding the appearance of impropriety.
The misconduct allegations were initially filed on September 26, 2023, following an investigative report by The Marshall Project – Cleveland. The complaint details that Celebrezze not only appointed Dottore as a receiver in several cases but also consulted with attorneys regarding her personal marital issues.
The disciplinary panel, chaired by Highland County Judge Rocky A. Coss, will include Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito J. Abruzzino and attorney Margaret M. Murray. Their findings will be submitted to the Board of Professional Conduct, which will then recommend any necessary sanctions to the Ohio Supreme Court.
As the January hearing approaches, the focus remains on the implications of the allegations for Judge Celebrezze’s judicial career and the broader impact on the integrity of the legal system in Cuyahoga County.
Source: Cleveland Scene
