According to case records, Judge Grendell allegedly ordered court officers to take the juveniles into custody in 2021 after they declined to comply with a parenting-time order. The teens were held temporarily at a county detention facility despite protests from their mother and legal advocates who argued the detention violated due process and judicial conduct standards.
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct later recommended disciplinary action, concluding that Grendell had overstepped his authority and used the coercive power of his position to enforce a family visitation dispute. The board’s report cited concerns over his handling of family court matters and his treatment of litigants and attorneys in his courtroom.
By issuing an interim suspension, the state’s high court determined that Grendell’s continued service on the bench could pose a risk to the public’s confidence in the judiciary. A full disciplinary hearing is expected to decide whether Grendell will face further sanctions, which could include permanent removal from office.
Grendell, who has denied wrongdoing, previously defended his actions as necessary to uphold court orders and maintain the integrity of his rulings. His attorney has stated that the judge was acting within his judicial discretion and that the disciplinary process will ultimately vindicate him.
The Supreme Court of Ohio has not yet set a date for final review of the case.