Former Hocking County prosecutor says alcoholism played role in office conduct
Former Hocking County prosecutor: Alcohol use led to office conduct The Columbus Dispatch
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The Former Hocking County Prosecutor Addresses Allegations of Misconduct
Ryan Black, the former Hocking County prosecutor, has attributed his behavior while in office, which includes allegations of sexual harassment and an affair with a county commissioner, to his mental health and alcoholism. In response to a disciplinary complaint filed against him with the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct, Black, 41, made these claims through his attorney.
Effective Friday, Black resigned from his position as county prosecutor. Earlier this month, a formal complaint was filed against him with the professional conduct board, which oversees discipline of attorneys in Ohio.
Allegations Against Ryan Black
- Creating a hostile work environment and frequently using obscenity to the point of making staff members uncomfortable
- Commenting on a female subordinate’s clothing in a sexual manner
- Sending unsolicited images of himself shirtless to a female subordinate
- Having a sexual relationship with a county commissioner, whom Black would be responsible for representing as the county’s prosecutor. That commissioner is currently suspended from her position for unrelated allegations of misconduct.
In response to the complaint, Black’s attorney, Alvin Mathews, did not address several of the allegations that are the subject of an ongoing federal civil lawsuit alleging sexual discrimination.
Black denies all the allegations against him in the lawsuit, including claims that he pressured a female employee to engage in sexual conduct.
However, Black acknowledges that during his time as prosecutor, he “suffered from a mental health disorder and an alcohol use disorder.” He states that he is currently seeking ongoing treatment and claims that these disorders contributed to his misconduct.
Disciplinary Proceedings and Potential Consequences
The disciplinary case will be scheduled for a hearing before a three-member panel. The panel members will consist of three attorneys or judges who do not reside in the area where Black practices law.
If the panel determines that discipline is necessary, potential consequences could include the suspension of Black’s law license or disbarment.
Contact: bbruner@gannett.com
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | – Complaints of sexual harassment – Creation of a hostile work environment – Obscene language and behavior towards staff members – Sexual comments about clothing – Sending unsolicited images of oneself |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | – Mental health disorder – Alcohol use disorder |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all | – Allegations of misconduct – Ongoing federal civil lawsuit alleging sexual discrimination |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 5: Gender Equality
The article discusses allegations of sexual harassment, creation of a hostile work environment, and inappropriate behavior towards female subordinates. These issues are directly connected to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article mentions that the former prosecutor suffered from a mental health disorder and an alcohol use disorder. These issues are relevant to SDG 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being for all individuals.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article mentions an ongoing federal civil lawsuit alleging sexual discrimination and misconduct. These issues relate to SDG 16, which aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
The article highlights allegations of sexual harassment, creation of a hostile work environment, and inappropriate behavior towards female subordinates. These actions go against the target of ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls.
Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
The article mentions that the former prosecutor suffered from a mental health disorder and an alcohol use disorder. This relates to the target of strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
The article mentions an ongoing federal civil lawsuit alleging sexual discrimination and misconduct. This relates to the target of promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
– Complaints of sexual harassment
– Creation of a hostile work environment
– Obscene language and behavior towards staff members
– Sexual comments about clothing
– Sending unsolicited images of oneself
– Mental health disorder
– Alcohol use disorder
– Allegations of misconduct
– Ongoing federal civil lawsuit alleging sexual discrimination
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by tracking the number of complaints, assessing the work environment, monitoring language and behavior, evaluating mental health and substance abuse treatment, and examining the resolution of allegations and lawsuits.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | – Complaints of sexual harassment – Creation of a hostile work environment – Obscene language and behavior towards staff members – Sexual comments about clothing – Sending unsolicited images of oneself |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | – Mental health disorder – Alcohol use disorder |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all | – Allegations of misconduct – Ongoing federal civil lawsuit alleging sexual discrimination |
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Source: dispatch.com
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