Still no word on Sciortino's fate

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A three-judge panel appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court that was expected to announce Friday whether Mahoning County Auditor Michael Sciortino can stay in office while he fights criminal charges did not render an opinion.

No explanation was given for the delay. Bret Crow, a spokesman for the court, said a decision could come next week.

Sciortino faces 16 felony counts and six misdemeanor counts for what prosecutors say was his role in trying to stop the county from purchasing the former Oakhill Renaissance Place in 2006.

The state attorney general’s office was trying to get Sciortino suspended as auditor under a law that says officials under indictment for criminal conduct related to their office cannot stay in that office while the charges are pending.

A panel of three retired judges was appointed by the state Supreme Court on June 13 to decide if Sciortino should be suspended, which is the procedure under state law. If Sciortino is suspended, he will still collect his salary and be eligible to run for re-election.

An initial decision is believed to have been made June 27 because under Ohio law, the judges had to make their decision within 14 days. Sciortino is allowed to appeal, which sources believe he did.

Under state law, the process remains secret until a final decision is made.

Also facing charges are Youngstown Mayor John McNally, who was a county commissioner at the time, and attorney Martin Yavorcik. The law does not apply to McNally because he is holding an office different from the one he held at the time the alleged crimes took place.