Meigs judge cites health reasons for exit, despite high court probe

Since The Athens NEWS reported on its website Monday that long-time Meigs County Common Pleas Judge Fred W. Crow III had resigned under a cloud, local and regional news outlets have jumped on the story, providing more details on the judge's decision to step down.

"My understanding is that yes, he has stepped down; he has resigned," Meigs County Commissioner Tom Anderson told The Athens NEWS Monday morning.

Asked about persistent rumors that the Ohio Supreme Court's Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which enforces professional conduct rules on Ohio attorneys and judges, had been looking into Crow's performance as a judge, Anderson said, "I think that's true." He said state officials have indicated as much to officials at the county level.

Disciplinary Counsel Jonathan E. Coughlan would not comment on whether his office is investigating Crow.

"I can't confirm or deny any investigation, and we don't have any pending (disciplinary) case," Coughlan said last week. "We do investigate when we think there are ethical violations that need to be looked into."

When The Athens NEWS called Crow's office for comment Monday, the woman who answered the phone said the judge was not in. Asked whether Crow would be releasing any statement about his reported resignation, she said the judge's office would have no comment on the issue.

According to the Pomeroy Daily Sentinel, however, Crow submitted a news release to that Meigs County newspaper Monday, in which he cited health concerns and family obligations as his reason for leaving the Common Pleas Court bench.

"As soon as my resignation is accepted, I will retire," the statement reportedly said. "It has been my privilege to serve as Common Pleas judge in Meigs and surrounding counties for the past 20 years. I have had serious health issues for the last 14 years, but thanks to many prayers, I have continued to be able to work. Late last year, I was again diagnosed with serious health problems. I was away from court during the first six months of this year for treatment. Since my return to the bench in June, it has become clear that my health and family should take precedence. For this reason, I have submitted my resignation to Gov. Kasich. As soon as my resignation is accepted, I will retire."

Crow was first elected to the bench in 1988, the paper reported, after serving as county prosecutor.

In a follow-up story Tuesday, the Daily Sentinel reported that Meigs County commissioners and other county officials have been "increasingly at odds" with Crow since January, when the judge began the process of starting a work-release facility through his office and a board he appointed.

"Commissioners have fought the efforts, citing financial concerns and urging the consideration of house-arrest methods and other means of sentencing low-level felons and misdemeanor defendants," the paper reported. "They have also raised objections to Crow's use of general fund money to pay several staff members associated with the facility, which has never been started."

The article also stated that during the past year, Crow's bench has been taken over by visiting judges due to his poor health.

Earlier this year, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation was called to investigate a shooting at Crow's home in Syracuse, Ohio. Reportedly someone fired a single gunshot into the judge's house while he and his family were out of town, although no one has ever been charged in connection with the incident.

Crow's term as common pleas judge would have expired in 2013. The Meigs County GOP's central committee is expected to submit a recommendation to the governor for a replacement.