Cuyahoga Council set to decide on $400,000 settlement in aide’s lawsuit against judge
The Cuyahoga County Council is considering a $400,000 settlement with a former aide who alleged retaliation by Judge Leslie Celebrezze.Summary
Cuyahoga County officials have tentatively agreed to a $400,000 settlement with Georgeanna Semary, a former aide who accused Domestic Relations Judge Leslie Celebrezze of retaliation and witness intimidation. Semary sued after she was demoted and her salary was cut in 2023 following her provision of documents to a reporter investigating Celebrezze. The lawsuit alleges Celebrezze favored contractor Mark Dottore, steering business to him and his daughter, and that Semary was targeted for witnessing their close relationship.
This case is one of several legal issues facing Celebrezze, including a recommendation from the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct for a two-year law license suspension (potentially reduced to one year) due to ethical violations related to Dottore. The Ohio Supreme Court is reviewing this recommendation. The FBI is also investigating, having subpoenaed documents dating back to 2008.
Court filings reveal allegations of Celebrezze improperly handling divorce cases, directing them to Dottore, and attempting to influence case assignments. Celebrezze and Dottore maintain a long-standing friendship, and Celebrezze has stepped down as administrative judge amid these controversies.
(Source：Cleveland)