Sciortino suspended with scant 2 weeks left in term

COLUMBUS

Eight months after it was created, a panel of three retired judges agreed to suspend Mahoning County Auditor Michael V. Sciortino — less than two weeks before his term expires.

If Sciortino is to be replaced, county commissioners said they’d select Ralph Meacham, the Republican who beat him in the general election in November.

The last day on the job for Sciortino, a Democrat, was to be March 8, with Meacham taking over a day later. Meacham is to have a ceremonial swearing-in March 4. Meacham could take over then or later this week.

The decision to remove Sciortino on Monday, effective immediately, was related to his indictment in the Oakhill Renaissance Place criminal corruption case.

He will be paid about $3,182 while suspended.

Read more about the judges' decision and the case in Tuesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.