High court tells Sciortino panel to follow state law

YOUNGSTOWN — The Ohio Supreme Court has ordered a three-judge panel considering the suspension of Mahoning County Auditor Michael V. Sciortino to follow the hearing procedure prescribed by state law.

That suspension panel, whose proceedings are secret under state law until it announces its decision, made a preliminary decision to suspend Sciortino, which Sciortino appealed.

The 6-1 ruling came today in response to a complaint filed with the top court by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, which asked for such an order.

The sole dissenter in the top court ruling was Justice William M. O’Neill, the sole Democratic justice.

Sciortino said he hadn’t read the ruling and deferred comment on the decision, or on whether he’ll proceed with the hearing or consent to a suspension, until he consults with his lawyer, John Juhasz.

Juhasz did not respond to a request for comment.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com