Saturday, January 08, 2000
Warren judge retiring midway through term
BY SHEILA McLAUGHLIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — After more than three decades in the Warren County criminal justice system and midway through a second term as juvenile-probate judge, Mark Clark is hanging up his robe.
Les Spaeth, chairman of the county Republican party, said Friday that Judge Clark notified party leaders of his retirement this week, and provided a copy of a letter he sent to Ohio Gov. Robert Taft. The resignation takes effect March 1.
“According to his letter, he has a total of 45 years in public service. At that point you work every day for nothing,” Mr. Spaeth said.
Mr. Spaeth said he was not surprised by Judge Clark's resignation.
Now in his 60s, Judge Clark worked as an assistant county prosecutor and a judge in Warren County Court for 20 years before his election in 1991 to juvenile-probate court.
During those nine years, he was known for advances in the county's juvenile system, including a mentoring program for young offenders on probation, and construction of a new Warren County Juvenile Detention Center.
His tenure wasn't without problems, however.
Last year, three corrections officers were accused of sexual misconduct with teen-aged female inmates at the Warren County Juvenile Detention Center.
An investigation led to criminal charges against two and the firing of another guard.
Judge Clark could not be reached Friday.
Gov. Taft will appoint his replacement after March 1.
In his letter to the governor, Judge Clark recommended appointment of Erik Peters, a Mason attorney who has worked for 20 years as a juvenile court magistrate. Mr. Peters could not be reached for comment.
Mr. Spaeth said he also expects an application from Dallas Powers, a long-time judge on Warren County Court.
Judge Powers, who could not be reached Friday, fended off criticism late last year after he ordered the holiday furlough of inmate William Chapman, during which he killed his estranged girlfriend and committed suicide.
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