Judge removed from Kraus case

Update, 3:55 p.m. April 28PORT CLINTON — On the same day former state Rep. Steve Kraus pleaded his case online, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O'Connor ruled in his favor."Therefore, to allay any concerns about the fairness and integrity of the proceedings, and to ensure the parties and the public the unquestioned neutrality of an impartial judge, Judge (Dale) Crawford will no longer participate in this case," O'Connor wrote in the judgment entry.Kraus was a guest on the Register's public affairs program "Between the Lines Live" on Thursday afternoon.Watch the interview belowHe was armed with enlarged copies of emails, social media posts and other information that he contends shows evidence of collusion between former Ottawa County prosecutor Mark Mulligan, former state Rep. Chris Redfern and Crawford.Kraus claims the trio's goal was to get him convicted.He was indicted days after he defeated Redfern in the 89th House District race in 2014.Kraus was convicted of felony theft in July 2015 and subsequently removed from office. Kraus filed an appeal, which was denied, and has since requested a new trial.While O'Connor said there is no evidence Crawford couldn't be impartial, she still chose an outside judge to cover Kraus' case."Nevertheless, even in cases where no evidence of actual bias or prejudice is apparent, a judge's disqualification may be appropriate to avoid an appearance of impropriety or when the public's confidence in the integrity of the judicial system is at issue," O'Connor stated.Crawford on Friday told the Register he believes O'Connor was right to remove him from the case."I agree with her decision," Crawford said. "Mr. Kraus believes that the criminal justice system treated him unfairly. Maybe, with another judge, he will find out that he was treated fairly after all."Crawford went on to express his opinion of Kraus."I have no bad feelings toward him," Crawford said. "I always felt he was a good person who made a mistake. That's why he got probation."For now, Kraus awaits word on his motion for a new trial in Ottawa County. He hopes a hearing can be scheduled in the near future."I was pleasantly surprised and actually shocked when I heard this news," Kraus told the Register. "I'm grateful, and I'm glad that I can move forward. I met with my attorney, Geoffrey Oglesby, and we're looking forward to a new judge and a new hearing. It's starting to look like we can see a light at the end of the tunnel."Redfern has not responded to multiple messages seeking comment. *Original post, 6:45 p.m. April 27Kraus calls out judge, claims biasSANDUSKY — Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O'Connor will ultimately decide whether former state Rep. Steve Kraus gets a new trial. "I've been living in limbo," Kraus told the Register on Thursday. Kraus contends his prosecution in 2015 was politically motivated, and the result of a "crony" relationship, between former Ottawa County prosecutor Mark Mulligan and former 89th House District state Rep. Chris Redfern, who Kraus defeated in 2014.Kraus, who appeared on a segment on Between the Lines live Thursday, contends Redfern and Mulligan conspired to bring him down. During the program, Kraus used an image from Twitter that appears to show Redfern aboard Judge Dale Crawford's personal boat, moored in Ottawa County. Crawford presided over Kraus' trial and remains connected to the case. [toutembed=aad2u1]The social media post was made April 24, 2015, which was during the prosecution of Kraus. "Judge Crawford just so happens to be good friends with Chris Redfern," Kraus said during the program. "The judge has since admitted that he has a relationship, or that he's an acquaintance of Redfern, and that they have mutual friends."Kraus was convicted of felony theft in July 2015 and subsequently removed from office as the representative for 89th House District.Kraus filed an appeal, which was denied and has since requested a new trial. He also filed an affidavit of disqualification with the Ohio Supreme Court alleging Crawford is biased. O'Connor could remove Crawford from the case if she believes the judge can't remain impartial. Kraus contends he is innocent and deserves a new trial.Watch Kraus' full interview online at sanduskyregister.com/btl. Reach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterVisiting judge Dale Crawford addresses the jury during Kraus' July 2015 trial.Steve Kraus talks to Register managing editor Matt Westerhold during a segment of Between the Lines on Thursday, April 27, 2017.