Visiting judge called in to handle case against former East Palestine police officer

Columbiana - The judge and prosecutor in charge of handling the case of a former East Palestine police officer has recused themselves and will be replaced by a visiting pair from nearby counties.

According to a secret indictment, 44-year-old Matthew Elser is facing six felony and 11 misdemeanor charges of threatening harm to multiple victims, including Columbiana County Municipal Judge Timothy McNicol, between June 24 and 25 of this year.

The document said Elser knowingly caused the victims to believe that he would cause serious harm to one of them or their property. Another count accuses Elser of making threats through a telecommunications device.

His arraignment was originally set to be handled by Columbiana Court of Common Pleas Judge Megan L. Bicketon. But due to her potential bias towards Elser as they, at one point, both served Columbiana she has recused herself.

In her place the retired Judge Edward O'Ferrel of Tuscawaras County will preside over the arraignment and the case.

Similarly, Attorney Edward Czopur from Mahoning will be stepping in as prosecutor.

Elser's arraignment is still set for July 31.