Canton, OH Criminal Defense Attorney News Archive

Cleveland's business and corporate community is on high alert following the release of suspected serial burglar Christopher Robbins from jail. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Kellie Ann Gallagher made the controversial decision despite increasing evidence against him. Prosecutors, including Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley, emphasized that Robbins has been linked to more than twenty break-ins, presenting a significant risk to local enterprises.

Just days after his release, Robbins removed his GPS monitoring ankle bracelet and has since disappeared, raising serious concerns about public safety and the judicial system's approach to civil litigation matters. Business owners and victims like Tim Bozak are voicing their frustration and calling for accountability, urging authorities to prioritize the capture of Robbins.

As the community deals with the repercussions of this case, there are growing discussions about the criminal defense policies in Cuyahoga County and the necessity of safeguarding local businesses. The situation underscores the urgent need for reform and greater judicial scrutiny in cases involving repeat offenders.

In a tragic case highlighting the urgent need for better child protection laws, Demetres Givens and Jamie Thompson from Canton have been sentenced for their involvement in the death of their 3-year-old son. A Stark County judge found the couple guilty of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment, following their negligence in addressing their child's health needs, which resulted in severe malnutrition.

Local prosecutors emphasized that Givens and Thompson failed to seek essential medical care for their son. Their actions underscore the serious vulnerabilities that can occur within family dynamics.

Community leaders and family advocates are now calling for stronger child welfare systems in Cleveland and nearby areas to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. As discussions around family law and criminal defense gain traction, this heartbreaking incident sheds light on the critical relationship between employment stability and parental responsibility.

Cleveland's Domestic Relations Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze, 54, has pleaded not guilty to a serious charge of third-degree felony records tampering. Prosecutors claim that in 2023, Judge Celebrezze misrepresented the assignment of a case, prompting an investigation by the Cleveland FBI and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.

In light of the allegations, a judicial disciplinary panel has recommended a two-year suspension for Judge Celebrezze, preventing her from presiding over cases while her criminal proceedings are ongoing.

Her attorney, Ian Friedman, emphasized that Judge Celebrezze is dedicated to public service and stated that this incident should not overshadow her career.

A pretrial hearing is set for January 6, and the case is being overseen by Common Pleas Judge Lauren Moore.

Cleveland's judicial system is facing a major challenge as Domestic Relations Court Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze has been charged with tampering with official records. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley announced the charges, which involve allegations that the 54-year-old judge manipulated case assignments. Specifically, she is accused of falsely claiming a case was randomly assigned to her when in fact, she manually assigned it.

In the wake of these charges, Judge Celebrezze has been suspended from her position. The Supreme Court's Board of Professional Conduct has recommended a two-year suspension for her actions, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Her attorney, Ian Friedman, has come forward to highlight her long-standing commitment to public service and justice. He urged the public to approach this situation with caution and refrain from rushing to judgment based on the allegations at hand.

This investigation, carried out by the Cleveland FBI alongside the county prosecutor’s office, shines a light on the critical issues surrounding civil litigation in Ohio's judicial system and the integrity of its officials.

Recent footage from city surveillance in Cleveland's Flats has shown the chaotic aftermath of a shooting that resulted in one death and another person in critical condition. This disturbing incident has sparked significant public outcry about safety in the popular nightlife area.

The shooting is not an isolated event; it follows another incident just weeks earlier, raising urgent questions about the legal consequences for those involved. Multiple individuals already face charges related to prior acts of violence in the area. Cleveland City Councilwoman Lauren Welch has voiced the need to prioritize safety to sustain local businesses amidst these troubling developments.

As the U.S. Marshals apprehend a suspect linked to this latest shooting, the necessity for effective civil litigation strategies becomes increasingly clear. Legal proceedings will play a crucial role in addressing the repercussions of rising criminal activities in Cleveland. With the Flats' reputation as a nightlife destination under threat, local leaders are focusing on enhancing security measures to restore public confidence.

University Circle's Patrolman Jeff Ridler is being celebrated for his remarkable rescue of a man in distress at Cleveland's Wade Lagoon, earning him the prestigious "Lifesaving Award" from the American Police Hall of Fame.

The dramatic rescue occurred on October 28, when Ridler and other officers responded to a mental health crisis. They witnessed a man struggling in the water, and with Ridler's background in competitive swimming from Cleveland State, he quickly swam out to save the victim from drowning. Thanks to his timely CPR efforts, the man was successfully revived.

University Circle Police Chief Tom Wetzel praised Ridler’s unwavering commitment to public safety, highlighting the vital role of civil duty during emergencies. This act of heroism not only underscores the importance of law enforcement in crisis situations but also resonates with ongoing discussions in civil litigation and criminal defense regarding the protection of vulnerable community members.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is facing increased scrutiny following an incident where an intruder gained access to a restricted area. This prompted an immediate police response and has raised significant security concerns.

The security footage from the incident has been criticized for its poor quality, leading Councilman Charles Slife to call for improvements in the airport’s security standards. With the individual arrested and charged with a misdemeanor, this situation also raises questions about civil litigation and liability related to security lapses at Ohio's primary airport.

Despite Bryant Francis, Director of Port Control, asserting that the current camera system meets operational needs, many residents in Cleveland are left questioning its effectiveness. The conversation about enhancing security measures is particularly relevant now, especially in light of similar issues that have affected nearby Burke Lakefront Airport.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel is under increasing pressure as calls for accountability rise regarding the deaths of three women, one of whom is Tasha Grant. Grant tragically died after being restrained at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, raising alarms from families and advocacy groups.

Attorney Stanley Jackson from the Cochran Firm Cleveland represents these families, asserting that self-investigations by law enforcement agencies undermine integrity and erode public trust. The case has also garnered attention from local officials, including Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley. O’Malley has appointed a special prosecutor to investigate potential criminal charges in connection with Grant's death.

This situation underscores a pressing need for reforms in employment practices within law enforcement to promote transparency and ensure justice for families impacted by such incidents. Advocacy organizations, notably Black Lives Matter Cleveland, stress that independent reviews are critical for maintaining public accountability in civil litigation related to police conduct.

Law enforcement agencies in Northeast Ohio are on the lookout for Corey Cotton, a 41-year-old man facing serious charges of kidnapping and domestic abuse. The U.S. Marshals Service, alongside the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, is offering a reward for any tips that could lead to his arrest.

Cotton stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs around 235 pounds. He is thought to frequent areas in Canton, Cleveland, and Columbus. Legal experts emphasize the critical need for prompt civil litigation in domestic violence cases, highlighting the severity of the situation.

As the community stays vigilant for any signs of Cotton, those with information are urged to reach out to the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED. Your assistance could be vital in bringing this individual to justice.

In a significant update to the murder case of Aliza Sherman, defense attorney Jon Paul Rion asserts that there is no DNA evidence linking his client, Gregory Moore, to the crime scene. Sherman's tragic death in downtown Cleveland in 2013 sent shockwaves through the community.

Gregory Moore, who had previously served as Sherman's divorce lawyer, was indicted in May. Prosecutors contend that he may have concealed vital evidence and provided false statements to investigators. In a bid to strengthen his defense, Rion has requested new DNA testing to pinpoint a potential third party responsible for the blood found on the victim. He highlights that the initial tests conducted by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner showed no match to Moore.

The case has garnered significant public interest, with Sherman's family actively pursuing justice. Pretrial proceedings are ongoing, and a crucial court date is set for August 28. As members of Cleveland's legal community closely monitor developments, the trial is anticipated to commence in March 2026.

A Summit County grand jury has made a pivotal decision not to indict Akron police officer Matthew Novak in the shooting death of 54-year-old Michael Donnell Jones, a Black man. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted an extensive review of the incident, ultimately determining that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges. Both the police department and the Fraternal Order of Police have defended Novak's actions as justified.

In the wake of the grand jury's decision, Jones's family is seeking justice through civil litigation, represented by attorney Bobby DiCello. They are exploring legal avenues to hold the Akron Police Department accountable for the tragic events that unfolded in a gas station parking lot.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik has responded to community concerns by initiating an internal review of police department protocols regarding the incident. The decision has sparked tensions within the community, prompting reactions from local officials. Councilman Eric D. Garrett Sr. has voiced his disappointment over the grand jury's outcome, highlighting the ongoing struggles the Jones family faces in their quest for justice in this heartbreaking case.

In a major legal turn in Cleveland, former Beachwood pediatrician Jan Kriwinsky, aged 67, has pleaded guilty to child endangerment and sexual imposition charges. This troubling case brought to light instances where Kriwinsky acted inappropriately with young patients, with the offenses taking place in both 2019 and 2023.

Initially faced with serious allegations, including rape and sexual battery, Kriwinsky opted for a plea deal that resulted in reduced charges. Under the terms of this agreement, he must register as a Tier One sex offender and forfeit his medical license permanently.

His sentencing is scheduled for September 9, underscoring ongoing issues in civil litigation surrounding healthcare practices and highlighting the critical need to protect vulnerable populations.

FOP Ohio President Jay McDonald delivered a heartfelt message urging the Cleveland community to unite in support of local law enforcement following two recent gunfire incidents. These attacks underscore a troubling trend in civil litigation related to officer safety and the criminal defenses employed by those who assault police officers.

McDonald praised the courage of the officers who rushed to aid their wounded colleagues and called for collective action from citizens and elected officials. With the recent tragedies and anniversaries of fallen officers like Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter, it has become essential to implement effective employment policies and protections for those serving in law enforcement.

He urged all stakeholders, including state legislators and judges, to confront this pressing issue together and work towards creating a safer environment for both the community and its protectors.

In a significant update in civil litigation and criminal defense, Cleveland's Prosecutor Michael O’Malley announced that Dionte Davis, 36, and Dojuan Nettles, 40, have been indicted for the murder of 21-year-old Brandon Cartellone. Cartellone was killed in July 2011, and the indictment includes serious charges such as aggravated murder and kidnapping. This development comes after extensive investigative work and marks a vital step forward for Cartellone’s family in their pursuit of closure.

Brandon Cartellone, a student from the Cleveland Institute of Art, was tragically found dead in his Tremont apartment. His death has highlighted the urgent need for justice in criminal law and underscores the community's commitment to welfare and safety. Law enforcement successfully tracked down the accused individuals in Florida and California, showcasing their dedication to resolving such heinous crimes.

Lynn Garvin-Cartellone, Brandon's mother, expressed her immense relief and gratitude towards the investigative team. Her sentiments reflect a community united in its resolve for justice and remembrance in the aftermath of tragedy.

In a crucial hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Judge Kira Krivosh of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas will evaluate the possibility of imposing GPS monitoring on Gregory Moore, an attorney accused of murdering his client, Aliza Sherman, back in 2013.

Moore, who formerly practiced family law, was released on a $2 million bond but now faces serious charges, including aggravated murder, following a grand jury indictment in May. His attorney, Jon Paul Rion, argues against further restrictions, noting that Moore has been open and accessible for over a decade.

On the other hand, prosecutors emphasize that the severity and evidence of the case justify the need for monitoring to protect public safety as they approach the trial set for March. This case highlights the complex interplay of civil litigation, family law, and criminal defense within the Cleveland judicial system.