MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled to disqualify Marion County Common Pleas Court Judge Todd Anderson from presiding over the criminal trial of Marion Police Officer Brendon Damron.
Damron, 24, is facing two counts of rape and one count of abduction stemming from an alleged off-duty incident reported to have occurred at a private residence on February 11. He was taken into custody on February 13.
In a decision dated March 25, Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy stated that the disqualification was necessary to preserve the fairness and integrity of the judicial process. The ruling emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the neutrality of the court.
According to the decision, a key factor in the ruling was Judge Anderson’s acknowledgment that he had discussed the alleged victim with his daughters. While the court noted there is no direct evidence indicating bias against Damron, it determined that the circumstances could create an appearance of impropriety.
“The facts presented warrant disqualification to avoid any perception that outside influences could affect judicial judgment,” the court indicated in its decision.
As a result of the ruling, Judge Anderson will no longer preside over the case. The Marion County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, will be responsible for assigning a new judge to oversee the proceedings.
The case remains pending, and further court dates are expected once reassignment is completed.
Marion County Now will continue to follow this developing story.