Former Judge Charged

Ohio Disciplinary Counsel has filed a complaint arising from the felony conviction of a former Court of Common Pleas judge

The charges arose from respondent’s involvement in an automobile accident in which respondent and his wife left the scene of the accident after striking another vehicle driven by Colton G. (“Colton”).

Both were convicted at trial.

On appeal

On November 29, 2021, the appellate court overruled respondent’s assignments of error and affirmed the trial court’s judgment and sentence.

Respondent and his spouse had left a social gathering; she was driving and caused a serious accident.

They got out, inspected the damage and drove off

“One of the nearby witnesses approached the scene after the Jeep Wrangler left and saw that Colton’s vehicle was smoking and noisy. Colton himself was trapped in his vehicle, bloody, and semi-conscious.”

 “One witness called 911 and emergency services responded.”

“Colton had to be extracted from his vehicle with a ‘hydraulic spreader,’ also known as the ‘jaws of life,’ before being taken to the hospital.”

“Meanwhile, [respondent and Julia] returned home, leaving marks in the roadway and their driveway where the vehicle’s rim was scraping the pavement through a deflated tire.”

 “[A neighbor] saw the Warners’ Jeep pull into their garage and close the door, though the neighbor did not see who was driving.”

Neither reported the incident but after a news account

When confronted by Judge Edwards, respondent admitted that he had gotten out of the Jeep after the crash.

 Before the bench trial, respondent stipulated that Colton suffered serious physical harm due to the accident.

In the months following the accident, Colton underwent physical therapy and dealt with various medical issues including a concussion, a kidney tear, cellulitis, knee problems, difficulty walking, Bell’s palsy, and memory problems.

His argument that his “mere presence” at the scene was not criminal was rejected in the criminal case.

He is currently serving a 24-month sentence  as reported by NBC4 Columbus

As a convicted felon, Jason Warner will no longer be eligible to serve as a judge, according to Ohio Revised Code.

(Mike Frisch)