Ohio Republican Rep Bob Young resigns after facing domestic violence charges
COLOMBUS, OHIO: A Republican state legislator, who had faced two arrests in connection with domestic violence incidents involving his wife and high school sweetheart, Tina, has revealed his intention to resign from his position next month.
Ohio State Representative Bob Young officially tendered his letter of resignation to Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens on September 8.
In the letter addressed to Speaker Stephens, Young expressed the following, “I am officially giving you my resignation as State Representative for district 32 effective as of October 2, 2023."
"This will allow time to engage a qualified Summit Co. Republican for my replacement. Serving in the Ohio House of Representatives has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime," he explained.
"I will always honor the time and effort, put forth in trying to make my district and the state a better place to live," he continued in the letter.
He further stated, “I will be vigorously defending myself, and I'm looking forward to personal and legal vindication as the court process plays out."
"I was hopeful that this matter could be resolved before this point, but I can no longer deny the distraction that this matter has caused the Ohio House of Representatives as an institution, as well as my colleagues, with whom I serve," he said, concluding his resignation announcement.
Which district does Bob Young represent?
As per Fox News, Bob Young currently represents much of southern Summit County in the 32nd District.
The decision regarding Young's resignation has emerged a day after a collective letter was released by 34 Ohio House Republicans, urging Young to step down in light of multiple arrests within a two-month period.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who belongs to the same Republican party as Young, has also joined the call for Young's resignation.
In relation to one of the incidents, Young was apprehended by deputies without any resistance, and he faced a charge of violating a protection order.
During his recent court appearance, Young entered a plea of not guilty and was subsequently ordered to wear a GPS monitoring device around the clock. Additionally, he was granted a personal recognizance bond.
What are the charges against Bob Young?
Following two significant incidents, Representative Young's wife, Tina, sought a temporary protection order.
Subsequently, he was formally indicted on charges that included one count of Domestic Violence and one count of Assault, both classified as first-degree misdemeanors.
Young's first and previous arrest occurred on July 7 when officers were dispatched to a residence in the City of Green in response to a domestic disturbance.
Upon their arrival, officers engaged with Young's brother, who informed the police that the lawmaker had attempted to gain entry into his house without permission.
Another incident took place In late August when Young faced another arrest, this time for allegedly violating a protection order that had been issued subsequent to his initial arrest in July on charges of domestic violence.
According to an affidavit, Young utilized his cell phone to make contact with an individual who held a protection order against him (the individual's name was officially redacted).
The representative left as many as three voicemail messages after 10 pm on August 29, before the concerned person reported this activity to the police.