Judge disqualified after indictment

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

The Ohio Supreme Court says a Cuyahoga County Common Pleas judge is disqualified from hearing cases after a grand jury issued a five-count felony indictment against him.

Judge Lance Mason was indicted by the grand jury Tuesday. He was arrested Aug. 2 after purportedly biting and punching his wife as they drove through a suburb with their young daughters in the backseat.

Mason was indicted on two first-degree felony counts of kidnapping and three second-degree felony counts of felonious assault. He also was indicted on misdemeanor counts of domestic violence and endangering children.

A message left with Mason’s attorney was not immediately returned Tuesday.

The order issued by the Ohio Supreme Court disqualifying Mason says he will remain disqualified while the indictments are pending.