YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu, Jr. took his oath of office on Wednesday in his courtroom at the Mahoning County Court House.

Judge Rusu has been on the bench since July, when the Governor John Kasich appointed him to fill the unexpired term of former Judge Mark Belinky.

In November, Rusu defeated Susan Maruca in the general election to secure his seat on the bench for six more years.

Judge Rusu brings more than 21 years of probate experience to the bench. Prior to becoming the judge, he practiced exclusively in the area of Probate Administrations, Guardianships, Estate Planning, Medicaid, and issues regarding aging.