Allegations in court filing
According to the civil stalking protection order filing, the assistant prosecutor alleges that Judge Schuck pressured her to engage in two sexual acts in May of this year, conduct she describes as unwanted and coercive. The filing indicates the two had a professional relationship, with the prosecutor trying cases in Schuck’s courtroom, and claims the judge’s alleged behavior created an intimidating and hostile environment.
The prosecutor’s office reportedly received an anonymous letter on October 31 outlining concerns about an inappropriate relationship between the judge and the assistant prosecutor, prompting internal review and the pursuit of court protection. An ex parte hearing was held Tuesday, after which a temporary civil protection order was granted pending a full hearing currently scheduled for December 16.
Court and prosecutor responses
Following the allegations, Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel removed the assistant prosecutor from cases in Judge Schuck’s courtroom and reassigned her to other duties, describing the move as part of efforts to protect the integrity of ongoing prosecutions. Schiffel has also requested the appointment of a special prosecutor from outside Delaware County to independently review matters involving Judge Schuck and the assistant prosecutor, and to evaluate whether any cases may have been affected.
Administrative Judge Marianne Hemmeter, who shares the Common Pleas bench with Schuck, publicly called on him to take a leave of absence while the investigation proceeds, saying such a step would help maintain public confidence in the courts. Hemmeter also asked the Ohio Supreme Court to appoint a visiting judge from outside the county to oversee the stalking protection case and related issues; the court has assigned retired Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Richard Frye to handle the matter.
Status of investigations
The allegations have been referred to the Ohio Supreme Court’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which can investigate judicial misconduct and recommend disciplinary action ranging from public reprimand to removal from the bench. Local officials emphasize that the allegations remain unproven, but say they are treating the claims as “serious” and are taking steps to ensure independent review, including the use of outside judges and prosecutors.
All criminal defendants whose cases involved Judge Schuck and the assistant prosecutor have reportedly been notified of the allegations through their attorneys, allowing defense counsel to consider whether to seek new proceedings or other relief. No criminal charges against Judge Schuck have been reported at this time, and he retains his position on the bench unless and until he voluntarily steps aside or is formally removed under state procedures.
What comes next
The next key step is the full hearing on the civil stalking protection order, where both sides will have an opportunity to present evidence and testimony before Judge Frye. Any findings there could influence separate disciplinary proceedings and shape whether Schuck faces additional legal or professional consequences.
Ethics experts note that judges are held to stringent standards prohibiting the use of their position to secure personal favors, especially in relationships with attorneys who appear before them. The calls for Schuck to take a leave of absence and for outside authorities to assume control of related matters underscore the judiciary’s attempt to preserve public trust while the serious allegations are litigated.