News
Judge Allows Attorney To Withdraw From Kelly Case
By: Athens Messenger staff reports
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The attorney who has been representing suspended Athens County Sheriff Patrick Kelly in his criminal case has been given permission to withdraw from the case.
As The Messenger previously reported, Columbus attorney Bradley Koffel filed a motion seeking to withdraw, indicating he did not have the time needed to devote to the case. Koffel wrote that he had agreed to “provide limited pro bono assistance” to Kelly, but that prosecutors responded to a request for discovery by providing Koffel with nearly 33,000 pages of case materials. Koffel estimated it would take at least 500 hours to organize and review the discovery items, and at least 100 hours of trial preparation.
On Friday, Judge Patricia Cosgrove granted Koffel's request to withdraw.
In his motion, Koffel had said that he intends to stay involved in the case in an advisory role, but that attorney Scott Wood will represent Kelly.
Cosgrove's order states that another attorney will take over the case, but does not name Wood.
Kelly faces a 25-count indictment in Athens County Common Pleas Court.