Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze has resigned from her position on the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court following serious felony charges. She faces allegations of tampering with public records, specifically for directing lucrative cases in her courtroom to her long-time associate, Mark Dottore.
Felony Charge and Resignation
On December 23, 2025, Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze pleaded not guilty to the charge of tampering with public records. The resignation, which took effect on December 22, was necessitated by these impending legal troubles.
The third-degree felony charge, which may lead to a prison sentence of up to three years, stems from actions detailed in investigative reports. Over two years ago, The Marshall Project – Cleveland initially scrutinized Celebrezze’s close connection with Dottore, who reaped substantial financial benefits from her court assignments.
Implications of the Charge
- Judge Celebrezze manually assigned herself cases, falsely claiming they were randomly assigned.
- She approved fees totaling nearly $500,000 for Dottore Cos. LLC from January 2017 to June 2023.
- The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor noted, “Integrity on the bench is not optional.”
Ethics Violations and Investigations
The Ohio Board of Professional Conduct is currently investigating Celebrezze’s actions. A recommendation for a two-year suspension was made due to her repeated misconduct over time. The alleged tampering involved false representations to fellow judges and failure to disclose personal interactions that led to a conflict of interest.
Background on Judge Celebrezze
Leslie Ann Celebrezze has a storied career in public service and was elected to the bench in 2009, succeeding her father, who served on the Domestic Relations Court and briefly on the Ohio Supreme Court. Her close relationship with Mark Dottore dates back to her campaign, where he acted as her treasurer.
Community Impact and Responses
Concerns have been raised regarding trust in the judicial system due to allegations against Celebrezze. Cassandra Robertson, a law ethics expert, remarked that corruption among judges undermines public confidence. Celebrezze’s attorney argued that her long career helping others should not be overshadowed by these recent allegations.
Future Developments
The governor will appoint a replacement for the position left vacant by Celebrezze’s resignation. The case continues to unfold as public scrutiny and judicial investigations proceed.
