Austintown Township Trustee Robert Santos is among the Republicans in Mahoning County who signed a statement Saturday asking Clerk of Courts Michael Ciccone to step aside from his position.

“You are innocent until proven guilty, but the level of severity of these accusations are very concerning,” Santos said in a phone interview with 21 News. “It’s not what we want as an elected official. It’s not what we want representing our community, especially our county.”

The calls to resign, coming from the Mahoning County Republican and Democratic parties, followed allegations made on social media over the weekend. Some of those allegations came from the Facebook page of Jennifer Ciccone, who was fired as Michael Ciccone’s chief of staff Friday. The two Ciccones are not related. 

In a statement Sunday evening, Michael Ciccone brushed off the calls to resign and addressed one allegation that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with an employee, calling it “categorically false.” 

21 News also obtained an affidavit signed by Title Department Supervisor Meghan Hanni, in which she swore under oath: 

  1. “I have a professional work relationship with Michael Ciccone.”
  2. “I have never had, nor sought, a romantic or sexual relationship with Michael Ciccone.”
  3. “I do not use cannabis or any illegal drugs.” 
  4. “I was hired by Michael Ciccone solely based on my education, qualifications, and professional experience related to the work of this office.”

Hanni also released a statement to 21 News in which she said she had not been promoted to Jennifer Ciccone’s old job, as was alleged online. The Clerk of Courts’ office declined to comment Monday on whether Hanni had filled the position. 

Michael Ciccone could not be reached for additional comment Monday, as 21 News was told he was not in the office. Jennifer Ciccone also could not be reached. 

On Monday, Santos said he stands by his call for the clerk’s resignation. 

“I’m not saying he’s the only individual that has some concerns that need to be investigated on,” Santos said. “I think the entire situation and all those involved need to have an actual sit-down and some legal issues need to be handled.”

The Mahoning County Democrats have gone a step further, saying if Michael Ciccone does not step down, it will start a “citizens led initiative” to remove him over the allegations. 

To do that, attorney David Betras explained, it would need to collect signatures from county voters to file a lawsuit in court. From there, it would need to prove certain misconduct, and the court could elect to remove him, after which the Republican Party would appoint a replacement. 

To collect enough signatures to even start that kind of lawsuit would be no small feat. It would require a petition with the equivalent of 15% of voters in the last governor’s election — which in Mahoning County, would add up to more than 12,700 signatures. It is not clear whether the party has already begun such an effort.