The affidavit, filed March 2, 2026, and docketed as Supreme Court Case No. 26AD041, asks Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy to remove Judge Anderson from the case due to what Damron describes as apparent bias and conflicts of interest.
In his sworn statement, Damron alleges that Judge Anderson has longstanding personal and professional relationships with individuals connected to the case, including law enforcement officers and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The filing references Anderson’s past role as a defense attorney in matters the defendant previously investigated, as well as his campaign support and participation in Fraternal Order of Police events.
“Disqualification is warranted under Ohio law where a judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned,” Damron wrote, citing concerns over “actual bias or the appearance of bias” and a conflict of interest involving officers and the agencies under investigation in the criminal matter.
The affidavit also mentions that Matthew Bayles, lead investigator and Sheriff of Marion County, previously endorsed and campaigned for Judge Anderson — a connection Damron argues creates a conflict since the Marion City Police Department, Bayles’ former employer, is the defendant in the case.
The motion asks the Chief Justice to assign a new judge to oversee future proceedings and take any administrative action necessary to effectuate reassignment. It was filed just after Damron’s arraignment, held on the same day.
As of now, the Supreme Court of Ohio has not issued a decision regarding the request.
