Just Visiting

The Ohio Supreme Court has ordered that an attorney file a response to Disciplinary Counsel’s motion for an immediate remedial suspension.

From the motion

Respondent is currently under a felony indictment for Illegal Use of Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance, Drug Possession, Illegal Conveyance Into Detention Facility, and Tampering With Evidence in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, State v. Norton, Case No.CR-23-679867-A. The charges arose from respondent’s alleged possession and conveyance of methamphetamine into the Cuyahoga County Jail in December 2022 and his attempt to conceal that substance in a bathroom to avoid detection. When confronted, deputies detected the odor of alcohol, and respondent admitted to drinking “earlier in the day.” Then as part of the investigation, his cell phone was seized and searched pursuant to a search warrant. In that search, alleged child pornography was recovered from his cellphone.

Following this incident, respondent engaged a counselor and underwent a psychological and substance use assessment. He also scheduled an appointment to formulate a treatment plan, and the counselor connected him with community-based supports. Respondent was then indicted on March 29, 2023 and arraigned on April 18, 2023. He pled not guilty to the indictment, was released on bond, and was ordered to submit to a urine screen as part of his Court Supervised Release Program (“CSR”). On April 28, 2023, CSR reported that respondent tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.

Respondent continues to represent clients, including engaging in criminal defense with a murder trial beginning later this month. Based on respondent’s serious criminal behavior, his apparent substance abuse, and his inability to stop using methamphetamine even in the face of a criminal indictment and risk of the loss of his liberty, relator submits that respondent poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public and should be immediately suspended from the practice of law pending the disposition of the criminal and disciplinary investigations.

The motion describes the incident that allegedly took place during his visit to the detention facility. (Mike Frisch)