3rd woman reports sexual misconduct

By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A third woman has been added to the sexual misconduct case pending against Edward F. Sturgeon, an assistant Mahoning County prosecutor on unpaid leave.
Sturgeon was assigned to Mahoning County Area Court in Canfield, but he took voluntary unpaid leave March 9. That day, The Vindicator reported two allegations contained in a complaint compiled by Jonathan E. Coughlan, Supreme Court of Ohio disciplinary counsel.
In response to the complaint, Sturgeon, 53, of Boardman admitted through his Columbus lawyers having oral sex with one woman client in March 2003, saying she initiated it.
He denied telling the second woman that she could pay his fees by having sex with him in March 2004. He also denied telling the second woman that he has sex with clients all the time.
The allegations, including the new one, refer to conduct in his private practice. The first two women had child custody cases.
What's alleged
The third woman alleges that in June 2003 Sturgeon wanted her to perform oral sex and told her if she did it would allow her to pay off her bill quicker. She said he unzipped his pants, exposed himself and moved toward her, court papers show.
After the woman declined the sex, Sturgeon zipped his pants and returned to his chair behind his desk to talk about her case, which involved garnishment of wages and a discussion of bankruptcy, the complaint states. The woman later told her sister, ex-husband and two friends what reportedly happened.
Coughlan's office is proceeding with disciplinary prosecution against Sturgeon. The lawyer is accused of violating the code of professional responsibility by misconduct.
Hearing scheduled
The Supreme Court's Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline has a hearing set for December at the Ninth District Court of Appeals in Akron. The case is assigned to a three-member panel.
Prosecutor Paul J. Gains said Wednesday that if the allegations prove to be true, Sturgeon could be reprimanded or fired. "Right now they're allegations, but if proven true that's a horse of a different color," the prosecutor said.
The investigation of the three complaints was a dual effort of the Mahoning County Bar Association and Coughlan's office.
meade@vindy.com