Two Trumbull Co. public defenders investigated for disrespecting clients, unprofessional behavior
One Trumbull County public defender was fired and another resigned after they were recently investigated by a state agency over allegations of unprofessional behavior, poor client service and disrespecting clients and fostering a threatening environment. The investigation on Rachael Zban and David Rouzzo was conducted over a three day period in late April. According to the investigation report, an interviewee reported that Rouzzo threatened to beat up a client and said tha...
One Trumbull County public defender was fired and another resigned after they were recently investigated by a state agency over allegations of unprofessional behavior, poor client service and disrespecting clients and fostering a threatening environment.
The investigation on Rachael Zban and David Rouzzo was conducted over a three day period in late April.
According to the investigation report, an interviewee reported that Rouzzo threatened to beat up a client and said that he would "wait for the person at the gate."
The report continues, alleging that Rouzzo brought rifles to the office and one interviewee claimed that the gun was a Glock 40 handgun and another was an AK-47.
Interviewees also claimed that Rouzzo brought in 1,000 rounds of ammunition into the office.
Reports state that one meeting started with Rouzzo saying "I am prone to violence" and "I don't know what I am doing," although the report leaves open the possibility that Rouzzo may have been joking.
Rouzzo also allegedly threatened to throw a co-worker down the stairs.
One interviewee told investigators that Rouzzo and Zban "did not have the heart to help anyone," in reference to fellow attorneys.
The report continues to say that after new lights were installed in the building that Zban approached an African American employee and said: "you don't look as black as you normally do."
Investigators listed in the findings section that they had just cause for discipline for the following work rules:
David Rouzzo
- Failure to perform the duties of the position, exercising poor judgement
- Failure of good behavior
- Engaging in disruptive, offensive or abusive behavior
- Possession of a weapon while on duty
Rachael Zban
- Failure to perform the duties of the position, exercising good judgement
- Failure of good behavior
- Engaging in disruptive, offensive or abusive behavior
- Acts of discrimination or insult on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, etc.
David Rouzzo resigned from his position and Rachel Zban was terminated on May 10.
21 News received statements from Rouzzo and Zban. Both said there was an investigation done, but that the findings are completely false. Zban said she is also appealing her termination.