Court administrator disciplined after complaint

YOUNGSTOWN — Sensitivity training is likely in store for the Youngstown Municipal Court administrator whose inappropriate comments to women in the probation department led to a sexual harassment complaint.

Also, Kevin B. Ward’s supervision of the five women will cease, said Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr., the courts’ administrative/presiding judge. Judge Douglas said a final decision in the matter will be made after he receives input from his colleagues, judges Elizabeth A. Kobly and Robert P. Milich.

“This is not a Marc Dann case here,” Judge Douglas said, referring to the ex-Ohio attorney general who resigned this week after an aide’s sexual harassment scandal. “There was no solicitation, no touching. Some comments Kevin made were inappropriate. [The women] just wanted it to stop. I believe it has stopped and we’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Judge Douglas said Ward will be required to receive some type of sensitivity counseling or training. The women did not confront Ward with their concerns, the judge said, but instead had their supervisor approach him.

Read more in Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com