Judicial Actions: Baxter Suspension

O’Connor Names Commission to Weigh Suspension of Republican County Auditor

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor announced a special commission of three retired judges Monday to weigh Van Wert County Auditor Philip Baxter’s suspension from office.

Baxter, a Republican, and Deputy Auditors Julienne Rolsten andJuliann Zinn have been indicted on charges of breaking and entering the offices of county Treasurer Nathan Vandenbroek, who is said to have a poor relationship with Baxter and whose office is currently under special audit.

The auditor’s indictment adds unauthorized use of a computer, cable or telecommunications -- like breaking and entering a 5th degree felony -- and intimidation, a 1st degree misdemeanor.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) conducted the probe, and Henry County Prosecutor Gwen Howe-Gebers is acting as special prosecutor.

Baxter, Rolsten and Zinn are scheduled for pretrial hearings on Jan. 16, 2020 before retired Greene County Common Pleas Court Judge J. Timothy Campbell, who ordered the auditor’s preliminary suspension last week. Baxter complied.

O’Connor has named former 10th District Court of Appeals Judge Patrick McGrath, former Belmont County Common Pleas Court Judge Jennifer Sargus and former Athens County Common Pleas Court Judge L. Alan Goldsberry to the special commission.

Story originally published in The Hannah Report on November 25, 2019.  Copyright 2019 Hannah News Service, Inc.