COLUMBUS, Ohio - Former Struthers Municipal Court Judge Dominic Leone III is set to face a disciplinary hearing this week before the Ohio Supreme Court's Board of Professional Conduct. The proceedings, which allege judicial and professional misconduct stemming from two civil protection orders, are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, May 29-30 and could extend to June 12.

The Ohio Disciplinary Counsel initiated the complaint against Leone, who stepped down from his judicial position in September 2023. The complaint outlines two primary categories of alleged misbehavior.

The first count concerns a civil stalking protection order that Struthers Mayor Catherine Miller filed against Leone on May 4, 2023. Miller claims Leone harassed her at a polling place on May 2, 2023, by verbally abusing her and acting threateningly. She stated this was part of an increasing pattern of harassment that began in January 2023, causing her distress and prompting her to seek mental health support.

Several witnesses, including Leone's bailiff and the Struthers Municipal Court Clerk, corroborated Miller's account, describing Leone's "outbursts" and "irate" behavior directed at the mayor. Struthers Police Chief Tim Roddy also voiced concerns for Miller's safety, leading to heightened security measures.

A Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas Court Judge initially issued an emergency civil stalking protection order on May 4, 2023, which was upheld after a full hearing on May 18, 2023. This order, active until May 4, 2025, mandated that Leone maintain a distance of at least 500 feet from Miller, with limited exceptions for official court business.

Leone's appeal of the civil stalking protection order was denied by the Seventh District Court of Appeals on March 21, 2024. The Disciplinary Counsel contends that Leone failed to inform them of this appellate decision, despite their specific request.

The complaint alleges that Leone's actions related to this matter violate Ohio's Judicial Conduct Rules regarding adherence to the law and promoting public confidence in the judiciary. It also cites Professional Conduct Rules concerning fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, and conduct that negatively impacts a lawyer's fitness to practice law.

The second count of misconduct involves a domestic violence protection order filed against Leone on May 7, 2024, by a relative who accused Leone of making threats against her.

During a May 21, 2024, hearing where Leone was expected to consent to the order, the complaint alleges that he made "irrelevant arguments" spanning 69 pages of transcript, primarily focusing on grievances against the alleged victim and her family. Both his attorney, Christopher Lacich, and Judge Joseph Giulitto repeatedly redirected him, stating his arguments were not pertinent to the proceedings.

Judge Giulitto reportedly cautioned Leone for his "abusive" conduct and, considering Leone's courtroom behavior, ordered him to continue counseling. Lacich also advised Leone that he appeared "not stable." The complaint includes segments of the hearing transcript where Leone interrupted the judge and made derogatory remarks.

Leone subsequently filed a motion to alter or terminate the domestic violence protection order, and did not appear for later hearings. The domestic violence protection order was ultimately granted on Aug. 15, 2024.

In his self-represented appeal of the domestic violence protection order, Leone repeatedly referred to Judge Giulitto as "the catholic Judge" and made inflammatory accusations of religious bias. The appellate court noted it lacked the authority to address such claims. On March 6, 2025, the Seventh District Court of Appeals affirmed the domestic violence protection order, observing that Leone's "conduct at the May 21st hearing demonstrated a lack of respect for the authority of the domestic relations court, as well as an objective lack of self-control."

The Disciplinary Counsel argues that Leone's actions in this second instance violate Professional Conduct Rules against undignified or discourteous conduct toward a tribunal and making false statements with reckless disregard concerning the integrity of a judicial officer.

In his formal response to the complaint filed on May 1, Leone admitted to some facts, such as the issuance of the protection orders and his resignation. However, he denied numerous allegations, including his behavior at the polling site, the alleged pattern of harassment, and the content of his statements during the domestic violence hearing and appeal. He also claimed his attorney in the domestic violence protection order case committed "multiple acts of malpractice."

The disciplinary hearing will take place at the Moyer Judicial Center in Columbus and will be overseen by a three-member panel