Ohio’s high court accepts resignation of ex-Traficant aide

Staff report

COLUMBUS

The Ohio Supreme Court has accepted the resignation from law practice of R. Allen Sinclair, 48, of Boardman, who was an aide to then U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. between 1998 and 2000.

Sinclair resigned in March from Ohio law practice, with a disciplinary action pending.

However, the report concerning the recent disciplinary matter was filed under seal by the disciplinary counsel, the top court said.

The top court had suspended Sinclair from law practice in 2004, saying he brought dishonor to the legal profession by kicking back $2,500 of his $3,150 net monthly salary to the former 17th District congressman. Sinclair was reinstated to law practice in 2008.

Traficant was expelled from Congress and served seven years in federal prison after being convicted in 2002 of bribery and racketeering charges in a 10-week jury trial. Sinclair testified against Traficant in that case.