News
Special Commission To Consider Removal Of Kelly From Office
By: Atish Baidya
Posted on:
The Ohio Supreme Court announced the appointment of a special three judge commission that will consider the suspension of Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly.
The three judges appointed to the commission are: Neal Bronson, Jennifer Sargus and John Bender. All three are retired judges.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine requested the special commission on Feb. 4, days after a grand jury indicted Kelly on 25 counts related to public corruption.
Under the rules of the court, the chief justice had 14 days from the date of the request to establish the special commission.
This Commission now has 14 days to make a preliminary decision.
If they vote for removal then Kelly has another 14 days to ask for and receive an in-person hearing before the commission.
If Kelly is removed by the Commission, he is on administrative leave with full pay until the cases are over.
The Athens Co. Commissioners would appoint a temporary replacement.
Kelly’s next scheduled court appearance is Feb. 28th for a pretrial hearing.
The full order from the court is included below.