Court’s dismissal ends Kellogg-Martin discipline case
Bellefontaine Examiner February 5, 2010
Thursday’s Ohio Supreme Court dismissal of a disciplinary case against former Assistant County Prosecutor Kim Kellogg-Martin permanently closes the case, according to the disciplinary counsel.
“The Ohio Supreme Court has ultimate and final jurisdiction in disciplinary cases involving attorneys and judges,” said Jonathan E. Coughlan. “This is it.”
There have been appeals but those involve federal constitutional issues of free speech, Mr. Coughlin said.
It is rare that the justices dismiss a disciplinary case outright, Mr. Coughlin said, yet Thursday’s decision is the second in a year.
The justices hear around 80 disciplinary cases a year.
Ms. Kellogg-Martin was pleased with the court’s decision in which she did not violate her obligations as a prosecutor nor her ethical duties as an attorney while prosecuting a 2002 rape case against Joshua Giles.
“I’m pleased and relieved that it is over with,” she said. “There is satisfaction to holding on to the truth and seeing justice prevail.”
She said the case has been “a long, painful, confusing journey” for her and she thanked her family, friends and professional colleagues for their support.
Her attorney Christopher J. Weber of Columbus said, “To have the opportunity to argue our case before the Supreme Court and to receive total vindication, is very gratifying.
“It’s hugely important to Kim because she felt all along that she did the right thing and the court told her she did.”
According to the supreme court’s 6-1 decision, Ms. Kellogg-Martin was not obligated to turn over to Mr. Giles a copy of Joanie Dorsey’s June 12, 2002, report of an interview with the victim.