COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A former Hocking County prosecutor who faced sexual harassment and hostile workplace allegations will face the Ohio Supreme Court after a disciplinary board recommended he be disbarred for two years.
The Board of Professional Conduct of the Ohio Supreme Court voted in favor of suspending Ryan Black from practicing law after determining he behaved unprofessionally in his former role as county prosecutor. Originally facing three alleged violations of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, a Supreme Court panel decided to dismiss two counts but continue investigating allegations he had inappropriate sexual conduct with two employees.
The allegations began in February, when two former employees filed a sexual discrimination lawsuit against Black, asserting he created a hostile work environment, coerced one woman into sexual relations and acted inappropriately in his role. In March, Black resigned from his position, but he denied all allegations in a filing with the Supreme Court board in April.
According to court documents, a former assistant prosecutor testified to the Supreme Court that Black made inappropriate sexual comments to and about her. She testified that Black told her at court that her dress made him want to perform a sexual act on her, and texted her sexual innuendos and comments.
"It's also hilarious watching all the guys fawn over you (yes, me included lol)," court documents state Black said to the employee via text. "Dudes follow you around like attention-hungry puppies hahaha! I'd be lying if I didn't say that kind of attention makes me very envious ... (the text recipient and another employee are a) couple of filthy deviants and perverts... hubba hubba hubba hahaha!"
That employee resigned, effective November 2021. Another employee alleged similar behavior and claimed he used his position to influence her into sexual activities. Court documents show many explicit texts from Black to the second employee seemingly confirming sexual activity. Black was also reported to have sent unsolicited shirtless photos to coworkers.
A panel with the Supreme Court first reviewed the case in September, and determined Black did violate professional conduct law. The panel also said despite him previously denying allegations, he largely accepted responsibility during testimony.
"I can't apologize enough for the fact that I made people feel that way," Black said in testimony. "I fostered an environment that was beyond unprofessional and unacceptable."
In April, Black said his alcohol use and mental health disorders contributed to his behavior, something noted by the panel. According to court documents, he attended treatment centers for alcohol reliance and began 10 years of sobriety in 2013. Black testified he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder that same year, and court documents note he was not taking effective medication at the time, and was not in therapy. Court documents also made note of significant stressors in his life, including the tragic deaths of loved ones.
Court documents also note Black admitted he was unprepared for the role, having only passed the bar exam three years before he assumed office in 2021. Considering all factors, as well as efforts this year to address both alcohol reliance and mental health concerns, the conduct board recommended temporary disbarment.
The conduct board recommended the final six months of his punishment could be waived if he refrains from further misconduct, submits quarterly reports from mental health and substance abuse counselors about his treatment and enters a contract requiring random drug and alcohol testing. If the Supreme Court adopts the board's recommendation, he would also need to provide assurance from a qualified healthcare professional that he could practice law responsibly.
