Resolution to Initiate Removal Proceedings Against Judge Ted Berry Receives First Hearing in House Committee

COLUMBUS - State Representative D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) announced that House Concurrent Resolution 26 received its first committee hearing yesterday to initiate the removal proceedings of Judge Ted Berry.

"Judge Berry's actions have fallen far short of the sacred trust invested in his position, and the legislature must now act to defend the courts," said Swearingen during testimony. "The integrity of Ohio's judiciary depends on the public's trust that cases will be decided fairly and without prejudice. When a judge expresses open hostility towards a murder victim and celebrates his politically motivated assassination that trust is eroded."

This resolution follows Judge Berry's refusal to resign after making egregious and inflammatory public statements celebrating the political assassination of Charlie Kirk. Swearingen believes Judge Berry's comments directly violated the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct, including:

• Canon 1, Rule 1.2: Requires judges to uphold public confidence in the judiciary and avoid impropriety;
• Canon 2, Rule 2.3: Prohibits bias or prejudice on the basis of race;
• Canon 2, Rule 2.4: Forbids judges from allowing political or personal interests to influence their judicial duties;
• Canon 2, Rule 2.11: Addresses disqualification due to public statements reflecting bias or prejudice.

The measure follows Rep. Adam Mathews' (R-Lebanon) public call for Judge Berry to resign.

H.C.R. 26 awaits further consideration from the House General Government Committee.