Delays in trials back up Mahoning Co. system

YOUNGSTOWN — Joseph P. Nazarini is just one example of how delayed justice clogs the Mahoning County jail with long-term inmates.

Nazarini has been in jail since Feb. 6, 2004, awaiting trial in the stabbing death of his wife.

The case has plodded along into its third year. With the daily rate at $68.84 to house an inmate, Mahoning County will have spent nearly $85,000 to keep Nazarini locked up until his trial begins June 25, if it begins then.

Early on, Nazarini’s Boardman lawyers, John B. Juhasz and J. Gerald Ingram, entered pleas of innocent and innocent by reason of insanity in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Ingram says the case has been delayed because psychiatric evaluations are not ready, and he shoulders the blame.

An Ohio Supreme Court rule says criminal cases “shall” come to trial within six months of arraignment after indictment or upon filing of information. Judges go beyond the six-month limit when they think a continuance, requested by the defense or prosecution, is warranted.

Judges also reset trials when scheduling conflicts occur in their courtroom.

For complete story, see Monday's Vindicator or www.vindy.com.