Cases Will Continue in the Courtroom of Ohio Judge Arrested Last Weekend

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Lance Mason's open cases will continue as scheduled, despite the judge's weekend arrest on a felony domestic violence charge.

It's unclear exactly how Mason's docket will proceed. Another judge could assume Mason's caseload, but Mason himself could technically could resume hearing cases, if he's able to post a $65,000 bond set by a Shaker Heights judge following a Monday morning court hearing.

A judge must be indicted on felony charges -- not just arrested -- in order to be removed from the bench, said Ohio Supreme Court spokesman Bret Crow.

If indicted, the Ohio Supreme Court would remove Mason from the bench while his case is pending. He would continue to receive his pay of $121,350.

A spokeswoman for County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty declined to say when the case may be presented a grand jury for a possible indictment.

Court Administrator Greg Popovich declined to elaborate beyond a statement issued Monday afternoon saying people with pending court dates in Mason's court should prepare for their cases to move forward.

If convicted, Mason faces between two years and eight years in prison. The Ohio Supreme Court could impose additional discipline, including: public reprimand, a suspension ranging from six months to two years, probation, indefinite suspension or permanent disbarment.

Mason, 46, was arrested on Saturday afternoon after police say he bit, choked and punched his wife, Aisha Mason, 41. Cleveland police seized smoke grenades, semi-automatic rifles, a sword, a bulletproof vest and more than 2,500 rounds of ammunition from Mason's house, according to a police report.

Shaker Heights Prosecutor C. Randolph Keller said during a Monday court hearing that Mason's two children were present for part of the attack that resulted in broken bones to her face.

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