A Franklin County Municipal Judge has been disciplined by the state supreme court.
The Ohio Supreme Court gave Judge Amy Salerno a one-year stayed suspension from the practice of law for judicial misconduct. An investigation found that Salerno changed her verdict from guilty to not guilty in a 2017 traffic case. It also found the judge lowered the bond in a drug-trafficking case in 2016 without involving the prosecutor’s office.
Salerno gave a statement regarding the decision:
"In reference to the Ohio Supreme Court decision, I would like to say that I sought to manage two situations in a manner which I felt would be fair. The Court disagreed with the way those situations were handled. I accept responsibility for those actions and I will continue to strive to ensure that I follow all court procedures and make sure that all individuals in my court receive a fair and compassionate hearing."
In 2015, Salerno was also reprimanded by the supreme court for scolding a jury for delivering a verdict she believed to be wrong.
The court accepted the Board of Professional Conduct's recommended stayed suspension following review of Salerno's cooperation during the proceedings and letters vouching for her character.
The court said it will stay the suspension if Salerno does not commit any further misconduct, pays the costs of the disciplinary proceedings and completes a minimum of six hours of continuing legal education in judicial ethics. The court also noted if Salerno fails to comply, she will serve the full one-year suspension.
