DELAWARE, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Delaware County Common Pleas Court Judge James Schuck is facing serious accusations of sexual coercion directed at an attorney within the prosecutor’s office, as revealed in a legal filing made public on Tuesday.

Crawford County Now has learned that Judge James Schuck who sentenced former Bucyrus attorney Adam Stone to 54 months in prison in August has been asked to take a leave of abscence during the investigation.

Schuck is also listed as a defendant in an ongoing stalking case, with the first hearing taking place Tuesday evening.

While specific details surrounding the stalking allegations remain undisclosed, the sexual coercion claim has raised significant concerns among county officials.

In response to the development, Administrative Judge Marianne Hemmeter announced to NBC 4 in Columbus that she has requested the Supreme Court of Ohio to assign a neutral party to conduct a thorough review of the allegations.

Retired Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Richard Frye has been appointed to oversee this review.

Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel (who prosecuted Stone), has similarly requested the appointment of a special prosecutor, emphasizing the serious and sensitive nature of the allegations against a high-ranking judicial figure.

In a statement to the community, Administrative Judge Hemmeter characterized the allegations as “serious” and highlighted the importance of conducting a fair process. She has also called for Judge Schuck to take a temporary leave of absence from his duties.

“Our legal system is clear on several points. Firstly, those who make allegations bear the burden of proof. Secondly, every credible allegation must be subject to thorough and independent review,” Hemmeter stated.

She continued by urging Judge Schuck to step away from his judicial responsibilities during the resolution of this matter. “Taking this step would benefit all parties involved and demonstrate to the public that we are committed to doing the right thing,” she concluded.

As of now, Judge Schuck has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations or the request for his leave of absence. The case is under review by the appointed special judge and prosecutor.
Adam Stone has filed an appeal to his conviction.

Crawford County Now will continue to follow this developing story.