Case filed against Cadiz mayor dismissed | News, Sports, Jobs

CADIZ — A lawsuit filed against village Mayor R. Kevin Jones for allegedly using a racial slur at an event at Sally Buffalo Park in August has been dismissed.

Councilman Salvatore DeLuca filed a complaint on Sept. 23, alleging Jones used a racial slur. The complaint found Jones in Harrison County Probate Division Common Pleas Court Monday morning.

The complaint called for Jones to be removed from his official position as mayor. The court argued that his words showed an error in judgment that called into question his ability to do the job.

Due to the nature of the matter, an outside judge was appointed to oversee the matter. The Ohio Supreme Court appointed Campbell Judge John S of Carroll County.

Campbell reviewed the formal complaint and subsequently said such complaints require specific legal language and found that the complaint filed by DeLuca did not meet legal requirements.

“The bottom line is that for the court to have jurisdiction that language has to be there, and it isn’t, so the court will dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction.” Campbell said. “The layoff will be effective once I file, and my guess is it will take me a while to do that, but it will be within the next 30 days.”

Jones’ lawyer, Kevin Butler from McDonald Hopkins Law Firm, made a statement after the decision.

“We are pleased that the judge dismissed the case today due to a procedural issue.” said Butler.

Jones said he was glad the village was able to put the issue behind them and start working together.

“We can now work together to move forward for our village, which our community truly deserves,” he said. said Jones.