MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion County Common Pleas Court Judge Matthew Frericks issued a decision Wednesday disqualifying Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan from prosecuting the criminal case involving a Marion Police officer.
Brendon 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.
Damron is represented by attorney Joel Spitzer.
The latest decision follows a previous development in the case. In March, Damron, through Spitzer, successfully sought the removal of Marion County Common Pleas Court Judge Todd Anderson from presiding over the case.
Judge Frericks’ decision now removes Grogan from his role as prosecutor in the matter.Marion County Now reached out to Prosecutor Grogan but did have not receive a response by publication. Damron’s attorney Joel Spitzer told Marion County Now:
“We appreciate the Court’s careful review of this matter. Disqualification is not a step any Judge takes lightly, and the ruling reflects the seriousness of the conflict. Our focus remains where it has always been–making sure our client receives a fair process before an impartial prosecutor.”
The case will proceed with a different prosecutor assigned to handle the charges against Damron. Marion County Now will continue to follow this developing story.