Oakhill grand jury extension ordered by judge

YOUNGSTOWN — Special prosecutors investigating potential conflict of interest in Mahoning County’s purchase of Oakhill Renaissance Place need more time.

Following the investigators’ request, Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court issued an order today extending the grand jury beyond its previously scheduled April 29 termination.

He did not put a time limit on the extension.

A person familiar with the investigation told The Vindicator, however, that felony charges are being presented to the grand jury for its consideration.

A new grand jury will convene May 6 to hear new routine local criminal cases, while the extended grand jury will hear evidence only from the special prosecutors, said Judge Maureen A. Sweeney, who will become the grand jury judge May 1.

Special prosecutors Paul M. Nick, chief investigative counsel with the Ohio Ethics Commission, and Dennis P. Will, Lorain County prosecutor, estimated in their motion for an extension that they need no longer than six additional weeks to present their evidence.

For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com