State Rep. Bob Young (R-Green) pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Friday morning on two misdemeanor charges stemming from alleged assaults on two family members last month.
Young is charged with one count of domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor and one count of assault, also a first-degree misdemeanor, according to the Summit County Prosecutor's Office.
You can watch his arraignment in the player below:
Young entered a not-guilty plea to both charges.
Both the sitting Barberton Municipal Court judges recused themselves from the case, so retired Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Judge Edward O'Farrell is presiding.
Young was originally given a $5,000 bond with 10% bail with conditions. Those conditions were following two protection orders from his wife and brother.
RELATED: What deputies saw when they arrived at scene of alleged assault by Ohio lawmaker
Despite having paid it already, O'Farrell decided to reconsider the bail, releasing him on his own recognizance, which means that he can get bail without paying bond.
His conditions are staying in touch with his attorney and he will appear when required. He also must follow the protection orders.
His case will be handled by the Barberton City Prosecutor's Office since the charges are misdemeanors.
The alleged assault
According to a Summit County Sheriff's Office report, Young was arguing with a friend at his home around 1 a.m. on July 7 when his wife stuck her hand up in front of his face to "stop him from yelling." The lawmaker then grabbed her arm and struck her face with an open hand during the argument, the report states. She threatened to call the police, but Young took her phone and threw it into the pool.
One hour later, Young's wife arrived at the home of her brother-in-law. She went there to "seek safe haven" with her kids, according to the report.
Young's brother saw the lawmaker pull into the driveway and park in front of his house, the report states. He went outside and told Young that he was not welcome and was not allowed to enter the house. Young then "lowered his shoulder and charged" in an attempt to enter the home without permission, according to authorities.
At the point of initial contact, "a scuffle ensued," according to the report. Young's brother defended himself and pushed back, and the lawmaker went through the glass storm door, the report states. Both men sustained injuries.
The Speaker of the Ohio House has asked Young to resign, but he refuses.
On the same day he was indicted, Young provided his first comment since the arrest, stating that while inappropriate, he does not believe his behavior was criminal, and he will not be resigning from his state representative position.
“My life has been very stressful lately. On this particular evening at my home, we had some drinks and I acted poorly and said things I shouldn’t have. My behavior, while not criminal, was inappropriate and out of character. I apologize to everyone involved, including and especially my wife and children. I also apologize to my constituents.”
Young also says he will be entering a counseling program, as well as getting back into his faith.
Who is Bob Young?
He represents the southern portions of Summit County. Taking office in 2021, the lawmaker works across the aisle on bills relating to finances. He is the chair of the Pensions Committee but also runs a small business in Akron.
Young is currently serving his second term in the House.
Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook.
