An Ohio judge who did not enforce COVID-19 prevention rules in his courtroom was prohibited from presiding over two cases by the Ohio Supreme Court’s chief justice, according to The Seattle Times.
Earlier this month, Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said in an order that Judge Mark Fleegle did not have a written protocol for jurors and others in the court room to follow in regard to coronavirus prevention measures. O’Connor selected another judge to oversee Fleegle’s upcoming cases, The Seattle Times reported. (RELATED: Court Blocks Wisconsin Governor’s COVID-19 Distancing Rules As Cases Surge)
Gavel Resting On A Protective Mask (Shutterstock/Lightspruch)
Defense attorney Harry Reinhart filed the complaint, mentioning a lack of a mask mandate and limited social distancing or barriers between participants. Reinhart said that during one trial, “a significant number of jurors (three or four) never wore masks,” The Seattle Times reported.
In response, Fleegle stated that only one case of COVID-19 had been traced to his courtroom and that the risk of being exposed to the virus is part of being an essential worker. He also said, “My own risk factors are so great I do not believe I would survive the virus if I got it,” according to The Seattle Times.
Some Ohio courts are being forced to postpone trials because of they are having difficulties attracting jurors due to the coronavirus. O’Connor has urged judges to hold virtual hearings or trials when possible, The Seattle Times reported.