Appeals court to review dismissal of attorney
9/10/2012The Ohio 6th District Court of Appeals will review the decision by a Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge that disqualified the attorney representing one of two parents charged with physically abusing their adopted, developmentally disabled daughter.
Judge Myron Duhart issued an opinion in July that disqualified Ann Baronas as the lawyer for Lee Anne Henry.
Mrs. Henry and her husband, Christopher, are each charged with child-endangering for allegedly failing to protect their daughter, who has cerebral palsy. Mrs. Henry is also charged with "torture of cruelly abusing the child."
Ms. Baronas appealed Judge Duhart's decision. The appellate court issued an order Friday placing the appeal on the accelerated calendar.
Judge Duhart's ruling stemmed from concerns raised by the prosecutor's office that Ms. Baronas had previously been appointed as a special advocate for former foster children in the Henrys' care and that at least one of the children is a potential witness in the case.
No further court dates have been set while the issue is pending in the appellate court.