Trumbull

Trumbull Commissioners Reach Settlement in Controversial Sunshine Law Case

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TRUMBULL, Ohio — Trumbull County Commissioners have reached a settlement in a lawsuit that claimed violations of Ohio’s Sunshine Law, which mandates public access to governmental meetings and records. The resolution follows months of disputes regarding transparency and the public’s right to be informed about local governance. The lawsuit was brought forth by a local resident who alleged that the commissioners conducted private meetings without proper notice, denying the community their right to participate in discussions affecting public policy. The Ohio Sunshine Law serves to ensure that meetings of public bodies are open to the … Read more

"Swift Justice: Jury Delivers Record Verdict in Trumbull County Escape Case After Just Five Minutes"

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WARREN, Ohio — A Trumbull County jury made quick work of a case involving a man who failed to report to his parole officers, delivering a unanimous guilty verdict in just five minutes. James Finlaw, 50, was found guilty after a one-day trial for not adhering to the conditions of his parole since late 2020. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant Christopher Becker in the courtroom of Common Pleas Judge Sarah Kovoor, who will determine Finlaw’s sentencing after a background check is completed. Finlaw’s defense was provided by two public defenders. According to the … Read more

Trumbull County Grand Jury Set to Review Child Pornography Charges Against Suspended Akron Officer

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Warren, Ohio — A grand jury in Trumbull County is set to deliberate on allegations against a currently suspended Akron police officer, who faces charges related to child pornography. This legal step underscores the ongoing issue of law enforcement officials being implicated in crimes they are sworn to prevent, raising concerns about ethical practices within the police corps. The officer in question, whose identity is withheld pending legal procedures, was associated with a multi-jurisdictional task force aimed at dismantling child exploitation rings. The charges initiated a broader discussion on how law enforcement agencies can better … Read more

Federal Judge Allows Punitive Damages in Lawsuit Against Trumbull County Commissioners and Sheriff’s Office

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Warren, Ohio – Trumbull County commissioners and members of the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office may face individual liability for punitive damages in a lawsuit brought by Commissioner Niki Frenchko, according to U.S. District Judge Philip Calabrese’s recent order. The judge’s ruling stated that if the case goes to trial, a jury could find that Sheriff Paul Monroe, county Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa, former Commissioner Frank Fuda, and two sheriff’s office sergeants conspired to have Frenchko arrested during a commissioners meeting in July 2022. The lawsuit, filed on Frenchko’s behalf by attorneys David Betras and Matt Miller-Novak, … Read more