On Friday, November 21, 2025, the Ohio Supreme Court suspended Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge Timothy Grendell for judicial misconduct following a series of allegations against him. The court imposed an 18-month suspension, with 12 months of that being stayed contingent upon Grendell refraining from further misconduct.
The suspension stems from Grendell’s controversial actions, including incarcerating two teenagers who declined to visit their estranged father. This decision raised significant concerns about his adherence to judicial responsibility and ethics. Additionally, he faced accusations of obstructing a mother’s attempts to administer COVID-19 tests on her children.
Grendell was also cited for violating judicial conduct rules by testifying on legislative matters outside of his expertise. He notably spoke in support of a bill proposed by his wife, former state representative Diane Grendell, which aimed to require the state health department to provide daily COVID-19 statistics. However, the Supreme Court did not reprimand him for this testimony, affirming his First Amendment rights.
Initially appointed to the Geauga County Common Pleas Court by Governor John Kasich in 2011, Grendell took over his wife’s seat in 2000 in the Ohio House when she stepped down because of term limits.
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct recommended that Grendell receive an 18-month suspension with a condition that six months be stayed.
Judicial age limits will prevent Grendell from seeking another term on the bench once his current term expires in February 2027. He is also required to pay $23,179 in court costs as part of the suspension ruling. This disciplinary case has been ongoing for over two years and has drawn significant attention within legal and political circles in Ohio.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
