Judge Accused of Failing to Follow COVID-19 Recommendations is Removed From 2 Trials
“An Ohio judge has been removed from two upcoming criminal trials after a lawyer for the defendants alleged that the judge was failing to implement COVID-19 precautions,” reports Debra Cassens Weiss in ABA Journal’s Daily News.
“Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor removed Judge Mark Fleegle of Muskingum County, Ohio, from the trials last week.”
“Columbus, Ohio, lawyer Harry Reinhart, 69, had alleged in a November affidavit that Fleegle conducts all hearings in person and does not require facial coverings. Reinhart said he is at higher risk if he contracts COVID-19, and his clients fear that he will be distracted at trial by his own health concerns, O’Connor said in her disqualification order.”
