YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Attorney Robert Rusu is now Judge Rusu. The Canfield attorney took the oath of office to become Mahoning Probate Judge on Tuesday.

The swearing in ceremony took place one day before the man he is replacing, former Judge Mark Belinky, is scheduled to be sentenced for one count of tampering with records.

Rusu has practiced probate law for over 20 years.  He was selected by Ohio Governor John Kasich after a committee formed by the Republican Party selected the names of three qualified candidates for consideration.

The process was triggered after Belinky, a Democrat, resigned while under investigation.

Rusu will serve Belinky's unexpired term which ends January 2015. Rusu is also running as an Independent for Mahoning County Probate Judge in the General Election this November.