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Council authorizes outside prosecutor in State v. Grand amid conflict concerns
Summary
Because of a conflict involving the University Heights prosecutor and related parties, council authorized the Beachwood Prosecutor Natalie Supler to handle the State v. Grand matter; Supler will serve pro bono unless a jury trial is required, in which case she would be paid $175/hour. The authorization was unanimous.
Law Director Bradric Bryan explained to council that an independent prosecutor was necessary because the defendant in State v. Grand has a pending lawsuit involving the City and the University Heights Prosecutor (or his law partner). Bryan said the city sought to avoid any appearance of bias and therefore requested formal authorization for Beachwood Prosecutor Natalie Supler to handle the matter on the city's behalf.
Bryan stated the case is public record on the Shaker Heights municipal court docket (case no. 2025 CRB00669) and described the charges as domestic violence and domestic menacing. Ms. Supler has agreed to handle the matter for no fee unless the case proceeds to a jury trial; the council authorized payment at $175 per hour for any time preparing for and conducting a jury trial if necessary. Council approved the motion unanimously (motion by Ms. Marshall, second by Ms. Weizer).
Council discussed whether to go into executive session for more details; Law Director Bryan and Mayor Brennan noted much of the charging information is in public court records. Council did not convene an executive session that night.
