Belinky withdraws as candidate for his former office

YOUNGSTOWN — Ex-Mahoning County Probate Court Judge Mark Belinky officially withdrew today as a candidate for his former office.

The embattled former judge, who resigned March 14 from his judicial seat, remains under criminal investigation by the state.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation served warrants on Feb. 7 on his Boardman home and his then Youngstown court office. The warrants state Belinky is being investigated for engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, tampering with records, bribery, money laundering, theft and theft in office.

Though he resigned, Belinky remained on the Democratic primary ballot until today. Early voting began April 1.

The county board of elections will not count any votes already cast for Belinky, said Joyce Kale-Pesta, its director. Also, beginning today, the board will send notices with absentee ballots that votes for Belinky won’t be counted and will post signs at its office — where early voting is taking place — stating the same, Kale-Pesta said.

Susan Maruca and Christopher Sammarone are now the only candidates on the Democratic primary ballot for the probate court seat.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com