On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, News 5 Cleveland published an article addressing the protracted disciplinary proceedings against Geauga County Juvenile and Probate Judge Timothy Grendell. The article sheds light on the ongoing delay by the Ohio Supreme Court in issuing a ruling on Grendell’s potential suspension, more than a year after the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct recommended it.
The disciplinary case stems from multiple incidents, most notably Grendell’s 2020 decision to incarcerate two teenage brothers, Conner and Carson Glasier, for refusing to visit their estranged father. The brothers, then 13 and 15 years old, were held in solitary confinement for three nights at the Portage-Geauga County Juvenile Detention Center. According to their account, they were prohibited from contacting their mother or each other during their detention.
This incident, along with disputes between Grendell and Geauga County Auditor Charles Walder over court billing and oversight, and Grendell’s testimony supporting legislation sponsored by his wife, former Ohio lawmaker Diane Grendell, led to the disciplinary action. The Ohio Office of Disciplinary Counsel filed a complaint in November 2022, alleging violations of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.
In October 2024, the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct recommended an 18-month suspension without pay for Grendell, with six months stayed on the condition of no further misconduct. The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments from Grendell’s attorney in February, but has yet to issue a ruling.
Walder expressed public frustration with the delay, stating that the community desires closure and a resolution to the matter. He criticized Grendell’s pattern of independent actions, citing the judge’s decision to implement a separate IT system for his court.
Jonathan Entin, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, noted the unusual length of time the Ohio Supreme Court has taken to rule on the case. He attributed the delay to the complexity of judicial misconduct cases and the legal arguments presented by Grendell’s defense. Entin specifically mentioned objections raised by Grendell’s attorneys, including a free speech argument related to his testimony, which the court must carefully consider.
Grendell declined to comment on camera but has consistently maintained that his actions were “proper and ethical.” He is currently engaged in a separate legal battle, having sued the Geauga County Commissioners for refusing to cover over $300,000 in legal fees related to his disciplinary case. The commissioners filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on October 7.
Grendell’s current term expires on February 9, 2027. Due to age restrictions, the 72-year-old judge is ineligible to run for reelection.
Stacy Hartman, the mother of the Glasier brothers, reported lasting harm to her sons following their incarceration. Tragically, Carson Glasier died in a motorcycle accident two years prior. Conner Glasier, now 18, has recently joined a military boot camp. Walder emphasized the need for closure for Hartman and her family.
The Ohio Supreme Court declined to comment on the pending case, citing a policy against commenting on ongoing legal matters.
Source: News 5 Cleveland
