| COMMON PLEAS COURT I |
| JUDGE CHRISTOPHER J. COLLIER |
JUDGE COLLIER'S 2007 JURY VERDICT SYNOPSIS
CLICK ON CASE NAME FOR SYNOPSIS
1-3-07 State of Ohio v. John E. Reed,Jr.
The case of State of Ohio v. John E. Reed, Jr. was a case where the
Defendant was charged with Importuning. The Defendant denied he was
guilty of this offense.
The State of Ohio was represented by Assistant Medina County
Prosecutor, Matt Razavi. The Defendant was represented by attorney
Robert Schultz of Medina, Ohio.
Verdict: After a two day trial the jury found the Defendant guilty of Importuning.
1-16-07 Dye v. Grier
This jury trial involves a very interesting set of circumstances.
Adrienne Dye was involved in two separate motor vehicle accidents. The
first accident occurred on September 5, 2003 on North Court Street in
Medina, Ohio. Linda Grier is the Defendant in that case. The second
accident occurred on July 8, 2004 on Weymouth Road in Medina, Ohio.
James Duering is the Defendant in that case. Both Defendants admit
liability but deny proximate cause and dispute damages.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney Mitchell A. Weisman of Cleveland, Ohio.
The Defendant, Linda Grier was represented by attorney Joseph Ritzler of Cleveland, Ohio.
The Defendant, the Estate of James Duering was represented by Jeffrey Bramley of Medina, Ohio.
Verdict: After a day of jury selection, the Court declared a mistrial and the matter is reset for trial in February, 2007.
1-22-07 David Zeck v. Steven M. Sokol, et al.
This
was a civil jury trial that involved Plaintiff’s claim that Defendant
breached an employment contract with him; that Defendant was unjustly
enriched by his wrongful conduct; and that Defendant appropriated
Plaintiff’s identity as a licensed surveyor and wrongfully benefited
from that misappropriation. The Defendant claimed that the Plaintiff
knew about this conduct and ratified it.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney Anthony Catanzarite . The Defendant was represented by attorney Alex Rakic.
Verdict:
After a three day trial, the jury found in favor of the Defendant and
awarded Plaintiff damages in the amount of $300,000.
1-29-07 State of Ohio v. Peter Riffle
The
case of State of Ohio v. Peter Riffle the Defendant was charged with
Rape of a Child Less Than 13 Years of Age. The Defendant denied the
charge and contends that the charge was made up by the child and her
mother to support the mother’s domestic relations case against the
Defendant.
The State of Ohio is represented by Assistant Medina County
Prosecutor, Scott Salisbury. The Defendant is represented by attorney
Robert Campbell of Medina, Ohio.
Verdict: After a three day trial the jury found the Defendant guilty of Rape of a Child Less Than 13 Years.
1-31-07 State of Ohio v. Natalie Flowers
This case began when a car belonging to the Defendant was stopped by
the police for invalid license plates. The Defendant was a passenger in
the car. Cocaine was found in a tin box Defendant claimed was hers. She
denied that she knew the cocaine was in her box.
The State of Ohio is represented by Assistant Medina County Prosecutor,
Scott Salisbury. The Defendant is represented by attorney Teresa
Barrington of Medina, Ohio.
Verdict: After a three day trial the jury found the Defendant not guilty of possession of cocaine.
2-5-07 Porpora v. Gatliff Building Company
Michael Porpora v. Gatliff Building Company, et al., is a case where
the Plaintiffs claimed the Defendant breached the contract between
them, committed fraud and violated the consumer sales practice act
regarding the construction of a new home in Wadsworth, Ohio. Defendant
denies the plaintiff’s claim of contract breach, fraud and a violation
of the consumer sales practice act. Defendant claimed he built
Defendant the home they wanted but Defendant failed to pay for the home
once it was constructed.
The Plaintiffs were represented by attorney Richard Dobbins of Akron,
Ohio. The Defendant was represented by attorney James McIlvaine and
attorney Andrew McIlvaine of Wadsworth, Ohio.
Verdict:
After a seven day trial, the jury found for the Defendant on Plaintiff
claim; further, the jury found on behalf of the Defendant on his
counterclaim and awarded Defendant $10,500.
2-27-07 State of Ohio v. Gary L. Davis
Michael Porpora v. Gatliff Building Company, et al., is a case where
the Plaintiffs claimed the Defendant breached the contract between
them, committed fraud and violated the consumer sales practice act
regarding the construction of a new home in Wadsworth, Ohio. Defendant
denies the plaintiff’s claim of contract breach, fraud and a violation
of the consumer sales practice act. Defendant claimed he built
Defendant the home they wanted but Defendant failed to pay for the home
once it was constructed.
The State of Ohio was represented by Assistant Medina County
Prosecutor, Scott Salisbury. The Defendant was represented by attorney
Robert Schultz of Medina, Ohio.
Verdict: After a two day trial the jury found the Defendant guilty of Assault of a Peace Officer.
3-4-07 State of Ohio v. David E. Travis
In the case of State of Ohio v. David Travis, the Defendant was charged
with Rape and Gross Sexual Imposition. The alleged victim of this
offense was the younger sister of the Defendant’s fiancée. The
Defendant denied that he committed these offenses. He claims that he
touched the victim but with her consent.
The State of Ohio was represented by Assistant Medina County
Prosecutor, Scott Salisbury. The Defendant was represented by attorney
Michael Callow of Medina, Ohio.
Verdict:
The Defendant waived his right to a trial by jury and the case was
heard by the court. The court found the Defendant guilty of Rape and
guilty of Gross Sexual Imposition.
3-8-07 State of Ohio v. Aaron Sims
The jury trial of State v. Sims concerned the charge of auto theft. The
defendant claimed he had permission to use the car owned by his friend.
The friend agreed that he had let the defendant use the car previously
but not on the occasion charged in the indictment.
The State was represented by assistant county prosecutor Scott
Salisbury. The Defendant was represented by attorney Daniel Gigiano of
Wasworth, Ohio.
Verdict: After a two day jury trial, the jury found the defendant not guilty.
3-19-07 Reese v. Fowler
Reese v. Fowler is an automobile accident case wherein the Defendant
admits he was liable but disputes Plaintiffs’ damage claim.
The Plaintiffs were represented by attorney Dan Ryan of Cleveland,
Ohio. The Defendant was represented by attorney Patrick Kosla of
Broadview Heights, Ohio.
Verdict:
After a three day trial, the jury found for the Plaintiffs and awarded
damages in the amount of $95,000 to Timothy Reese for his injuries;
$3,000 to Sharon Reese for her injuries; and $500 to Sharon Reese for
loss of consortium.
4-2-07 Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company v. Gene’s Refrigeration Inc.
This lawsuit involves Plaintiffs’ effort to seek recovery of money from
Defendant for an air conditioning unit that failed and caused damage to
the First Baptist Church of Brunswick. Plaintiffs claim that the
Defendant breached its contract and failed to properly install the air
conditioning unit. Defendant denies it was negligent and denies that it
improperly installed the unit.
The Plaintiffs were represented by attorney, Michael Elliot of
Cleveland, Ohio. The Defendant was represented by attorney, David
Weillbacher of Cleveland, Ohio.
Verdict: After a two day trial the jury found on behalf of the Defendant and against Plaintiffs.
4-16-07 ODOT v. Omni-Westfield, LLC
This matter was an appropriations case wherein the State of Ohio sought
to take a 17 acre parcel of property from the owner in order to make
highway improvements at I-71 and St. R. 224. The State has the right to
take property for this project subject to payment of fair market value
for the land acquired. The parties disagreed as to the fair market
value of the property.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney, Richard Mankowski of
Columbus, Ohio. The Defendant was represented by attorney, Gary Warner
of Brunswick, Ohio.
Verdict:
After a four day trial the jury found on behalf of the Defendant and
awarded the Defendant $660,600 for the property at issue.
4-30-07 State of Ohio v. Steven Latham
The case of State of Ohio v. Steven Latham was a case where the
Defendant was charged with four counts of felonious assault and four
gun specifications. This case involved the shooting of a police officer
at the Defendant’s home in Litchfield, Ohio. The Defendant pleaded not
guilty by reason of insanity. The issue in this matter is whether the
Defendant was legally insane at the time of the shooting.
The State of Ohio was represented by Medina County Prosecutor Dean
Holman and Assistant County Prosecutor Scott Salisbury. The Defendant
was represented by attorney Robert Campbell of Medina, Ohio.
Verdict: After a five day trial, the jury found the Defendant guilty of four counts of felonious assault and each specification.
5-7-07 Michael Priebe v. Ricky and Linda Scheman
In this case the Defendant was suing Plaintiff for failure to roof
Defendant’s house in an workmanlike manner. Plaintiff claims that his
roof work was performed in a workmanlike manner.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney Mark Fusco of Akron, Ohio.
The Defendant was represented by attorney John Amado of Cleveland,
Ohio.
Verdict: After a two day trial, the jury awarded the Defendant $1,500.
5-9-07 Girman v. Granger Lake Condominium Unit Owner’s Assn.
In this case, Plaintiff claims the Defendant failed to abide by the
declaration of condominium when it failed to promptly repair the roof
over her unit. She claims that this failure led to the growth of black
mold that could not be irradicated. Defendant denied it breached the
contract and claims Plaintiff failed to mitigate her damages.
The Plaintiff was represented by Stephen Ott of Cleveland, Ohio. The
Defendant was represented by James Sennett of Cleveland, Ohio.
Verdict: After a seven day trial the jury awarded the Plaintiff $28,000.
5-9-07 State of Ohio v. Douglas E. Danko
The Defendant was charged with felonious assault and a gun
specification. The Defendant was alleged to have shot a .45 cal.
semi-automatic at the victim when the victim left with the Defendant’s
New Year’s Eve date. The Defendant claims he was drunk and that the
shooting was accidental and not done knowingly.
The State of Ohio was represented by Assistant County Prosecutor Scott
Salisbury of Medina, Ohio. The Defendant was represented by attorney
Ronald Scott Spears of Medina, Ohio.
Verdict: After a two day trial the jury found the Defendant guilty of felonious assault and the gun specification.
5-10-07 Metheny v. Rinaldi
The jury trial of Metheny v. Rinaldi involved a motor vehicle accident.
Defendant admits liability but denies proximate cause and disputes
damages.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney L. Ray Jones of Medina, Ohio.
The Defendant was represented by attorney Joe Ritzler of Cleveland,
Ohio.
Verdict: After a two day jury trial the Court declared a mistrial.
7-1-07 Olsen v. Srnka
This jury trial involved a car accident in the center turn lane of
Pearl Road north of S.R. 303 in Brunswick, Ohio. The Plaintiff was
injured when she went to cross Pearl Road from Shenandoah Road west
bound. The Defendant was traveling north on Pearl, in the center turn
lane, preparing to turn left. Plaintiff claims Defendant was negligent.
Defendant claims Plaintiff was negligent.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney Lawrence Benjamin of
Cleveland, Ohio. The Defendant was represented by attorney Ann
Markowski of Cleveland, Ohio.
Verdict: After a two day jury trial, the jury found in favor of the Plaintiff and awarded her $491.
7-24-07 Metheny v. Rinaldi (II)
This was the second trial of this matter. The first trial ended as a
mistrial. The jury trial of Metheny v. Rinaldi involved a motor vehicle
accident. Defendant admits liability but denies proximate cause and
disputes damages.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney L. Ray Jones of Medina, Ohio.
The Defendant was represented by attorney Joe Ritzler of Cleveland,
Ohio.
Verdict: After a two day jury trial the jury found in favor of the Plaintiff and awarded a judgment of $12,500.
8-1-07 Murar v. Timberland Development
The jury trial in this matter involved the sale of real estate.
Plaintiff claimed the property was not buildable as represented.
Defendants deny false representation.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney E. Boles of Cleveland, Ohio.
The Defendant was represented by attorney T. McGurr of Cleveland, Ohio.
Verdict: The parties settled the case during trial.
8-20-07 Sheneman v. Edgerton
The jury trial in Sheneman v. Edgerton was filed when a car driven by
the Defendant went through a stop sign and struck a car driven by the
Plaintiff. The Defendant agreed that she was at fault but the parties
disagreed as to damages.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney David Sheldon and attorney
Andrew Korduba of Medina, Ohio. The Defendant was represented by
attorney Anthony Brown of Canton, Ohio.
Verdict: After a three day trial the jury awarded the Plaintiff $19,330.49
9-10-07 Mary Ann Neiman v. Medina Retail Limited, Inc., et al.
This jury trial involved a severe slip and fall injury that occurred in
front of the Old Navy Store on North Court Street in Medina, Ohio.
Plaintiff contended the owner of the shopping center, the Old Navy
Store and Aaron’s Landscaping the snow removal service, were
responsible for her injuries. Defendants denied liability, proximate
cause and damages.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney Stephen Brown of Medina,Ohio.
The Defendants were represented by attorney S. Seacrist, C. Rice, and
D. Weilbacher.
Verdict: After a three day trial the jury found in favor of the Defendants.
9-17-07 State of Ohio v. Craig Maynard
The Defendant was charged with gross sexual imposition. The Defendant denied the charge.
The State of Ohio was represented by Assistant County Prosecutor Scott
Salisbury. The Defendant was represented by attorney Kevin Dunn of
Medina,Ohio.
Verdict: After a three day trial, the jury found the Defendant guilty of Gross Sexual Imposition
9-26-07 Ohio Pressure Grouting v. Debbie Young, et al.
This jury trial involved a breach of contract claim on behalf of both
the plaintiff and the defendant. The Defendant homeowner had Plaintiff
construction company perform certain basement work on her home. Both
parties alleged the other breached the contract and claimed damages.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney Daniel Walpole. The Defendant
was represented by attorney Jeff James and attorney Marybeth Maxwell.
Verdict: After a three day trial the parties settled the dispute.
10-1-07 James Bahle, et al., v. Dr. Erin McKelvey.
This jury trial involved a wrongful death, medical malpractice claim.
Plaintif claimed Defendant breached the standard of care in the
services she rendered to the decedent. Defendant denied negligence and
proximate cause.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney Richard Abrams and attorney
Michael Morley. The Defendant was represented by attorney William
meadows and attorney Bruce Cannon.
Verdict: After a five day trial the jury found in favor of the Defendant.
10-29-07 Tracy Fallon v. Jadiga Sokoloski
This jury trial involved an automobile accident that took place between
the Plaintiff and the Defendant on Bellus Road in Hinckley, Ohio.
Plaintiff claims she suffered injury when the Defendant crossed the
center of the road and struck her car. Defendant claims that Plaintiff
crossed the center of the road and that she is
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney Andy Young from Cleveland,
Ohio. The Defendant was represented by attorney Jeff Bramley of Medina,
Ohio.
Verdict: The case was declared a mistrial after jury selection.
11-5-07 State of Ohio v. Pamela Logan
The Defendant was charged with one count of possession of
methamphetamine. She denied knowing possession of the substance.
The State of Ohio was represented by Scott Salisbury. The Defendant was represented by Kevin Dunn.
Verdict: The Defendant pleaded guilty shortly before testimony was to begin.
12-4-07 Rick Boettner v. Storage World
This matter came on for trial on Plaintiff’s claim for damages against Storage World and Columbia Gas of Ohio.
The Plaintiff was represented by Ryan Moulen. The Storage World was
represented by James Clark. Columbia Gas was represented by James
Behrensen.
Verdict:
After a two day trial the jury found in favor of Plaintiff and against
Storage World in the amount of $5,000. No damages were ordered against
Columbia Gas.
12-19-07 Tracy Fallon v. Jadiga Sokoloski
This
jury trial involved an automobile accident that took place between the
Plaintiff and the Defendant on Bellus Road in Hinckley, Ohio. Plaintiff
claims she suffered injury when the Defendant crossed the center of the
road and struck her car. Defendant claims that Plaintiff crossed the
center of the road and that she is
The Plaintiff was represented by attorney Andy Young from Cleveland,
Ohio. The Defendant was represented by attorney Jeff Bramley of Medina,
Ohio.
Verdict: The jury found in favor of the Plaintiff and awarded damages in the amount of $22,697.20 against Defendant.
This page last updated 1 March 2007