MOUNT VERNON — Knox County Probate/Juvenile Judge Jennifer Springer has announced her intention to retire from the bench in October.
In a letter to Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, Springer said her retirement will be effective Monday, Oct. 1.
“Once the vacancy occurs, there will be a screening process to submit names to the governor,” said Chip McConville, Knox County prosecutor and chairman of the Knox County Republican Party.
McConville said the Executive Committee of the Knox County Republican Party will conduct the screening process. Gov. John Kasich will ultimately appoint Springer’s replacement.
Springer has been on medical leave since April due to unspecified medical reasons. On July 29, she pleaded not guilty to a charge of DUI. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24 in Mount Vernon Municipal Court.
Municipal Court Judge John Thatcher and City Law Director Rob Broeren both recused themselves from the case. Thatcher and Broeren both worked with Springer in the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office. Judge Daniel Hogan, retired, and Michael Kemerer, first assistant criminal law director for the City of Mansfield, have been appointed as judge and special prosecutor.
Springer began her term as probate/juvenile judge in 2015. Her term was to run through 2020.
