Press Release

May 30, 2025

Upon taking office, Judge DeLeone found the original plaque that hung at the Courthouse. Judge DeLeone is very thankful to the Board of Lake County Commissioners Office for getting this piece of history rededicated in this historic building which has honorably served the residents of Lake County. Thank you to the President of the Board of Commissioners Richard J. Regovich and Commissioner John T. Plecnik for attending and speaking to the team at Juvenile Court.

May 1, 2025

Juvenile Court Magistrates Jan Bell and Jessica Wright at the Lake County Bar Association Law Day Breakfast. Magistrate Bell also serves as President of the Lake County Bar Association. Judge DeLeone and his team enjoyed the great event.

April 30, 2025

Judge DeLeone administers Oaths of Office for Lake County Juvenile Educational Services.

April 23, 2025

Judge DeLeone administers Oaths of Office for Lake County Juvenile Detention Staff.

April 16, 2025

Judge DeLeone administers Oaths of Office for his Personal Staff.

April 9, 2025

Judge DeLeone and the staff at Juvenile Court are excited to support Job and Family Services’ work to prevent child abuse. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and we do believe that children are our future and we all play a role in keeping them safe.

April 3, 2025

Judge DeLeone administers Oaths of Office for the Juvenile Court Clerk Staff.

April 2, 2025

Judge DeLeone deputizing Melissa Worthington from Willoughby Police Department.

March 27, 2025

Judge Michael L. DeLeone and his team at Lake County Juvenile Court are excited to re-invest in Time Out Teddy. In collaboration with the Painesville Exchange Club, the Court embraces these Teddy Bears and the messages that come along with them. The National Exchange Club has found this creative way to target the prevention of child abuse by encouraging parents or caregivers to take time out to understand their child. Local Painesville Exchange Club member Richard Norton regularly works with the Court to ensure Judge DeLeone has a full supply of the teddy bears. Time Out Teddy is an opportunity for a child to feel comforted with a teddy bear during a time-out. Just as important, parents or caregivers can receive a card with a poem and brochure to remind them to think, take time to calm, and time to realize how precious a child’s life is. Judge DeLeone supports the concept related to educating parents and caregivers on how to take a time out for themselves and the child. “The Painesville Exchange Club is a great community partner that works toward preventing child abuse” shared Judge DeLeone. The Juvenile Court regularly deals with cases of abuse and neglect. Additionally, many of the juveniles the Court works with for unruly and delinquency matters have experienced some form of trauma. “The opportunity to pass a Time-Out Teddy to someone, child or adult, is a great way to share an important message about protecting our children” shares Judge DeLeone. One of the lines on the provided poem card reads “take time to realize how precious, how precious a little life is, how fragile a little life is. Judge DeLeone is grateful for the Court’s collaboration with the Painesville Exchange Club on this important issue.

March 21, 2025

Judge DeLeone administers Oaths of Office for the Juvenile Court Probation Staff.

March 20, 2025

Notary Public Oath for Jarissa Razo

March 12, 2025

Judge DeLeone administers Oaths of Office for the Juvenile Court Intake Staff.

March 12, 2025

Judge DeLeone swearing in John Jusko as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

March 4, 2025

Judge DeLeone administers Oaths for the Juvenile Court IT staff.

February 28, 2025

Congratulations to Debbie on her retirement from Lake County Juvenile Court. You will truly be missed!

February 26, 2025

Detention Director Tim Brown is at Cleveland State University for the Spring Career Fair. Tim will be educating students on the career options at Lake County Juvenile Court and scheduling interviews for any potential Juvenile Correction Officer applicants.

February 25, 2025

Judge DeLeone administers Oaths of Office for the Juvenile Court Bailiffs.

February 18, 2025

After his recent election, Judge DeLeone swearing in his Administration and HR Departments.

February 12, 2025

Congratulations to Matthew Hebebrand who was sworn in today as a Magistrate. In addition to being the Juvenile Court’s Mediator, he will also serve as back-up Magistrate when needed.

February 10, 2025

Lake County Juvenile Court Magistrates (Jessica Wright, Janette Bell, Christopher Tucci, and Ben Neylon) renewing their Oaths of Office under Judge Michael L. DeLeone

January 30, 2025

Judge DeLeone swearing in Ken Swindler as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

Notary Public Oath for Kara Filkins and Araceli Guerra Sanchez.

January 17, 2025

Judge Deleone swearing in Jarissa Razo as a Deputy Clerk and Hayley Tycast with her Notary Oath.

December 31, 2024

Ceremonial Swearing In by Justice R. Patrick DeWine of the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Very thankful Justice DeWine made the trip to Lake County for this special occasion.

December 23, 2024

The Juvenile Court is sad to say goodbye to an outstanding therapist. Best wishes to Amelia!

December 20, 2024

I am very honored to continue to serve as the Lake County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Judge. Thank you Judge Robert J. Patton for swearing me in today. I am truly blessed with family and friends. And, I have an amazing staff that endeavors to provide outstanding service each and every day. They are the heart and soul of this Court. Thank you!

-Judge Michael L. DeLeone

December 19, 2024

I am so proud of the Lake County Juvenile Court for participating in the Adopt-A-Family Holiday Wishlist! Not only are they hardworking, they care about making our community a better place. From our families to yours, Merry Christmas!

- Judge Michael L. Deleone

December 12, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Tiffany Gaskill as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

December 11, 2024

Notary Public Oath for Sharon Delembo and Kelly Duthie.

December 9, 2024

Notary Public Oath for John Zinnicker.

November 27, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 21, 2024

Our team at Juvenile Court was happy to support the Lake County Bar Association’s Food Drive.

Judge DeLeone swearing in Hayley Tycast as a Juvenile Court Deputy Clerk.

November 19, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Kayla Manna as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

November 1, 2024

Judge DeLeone was honored to be present at the Lake County Bar Association’s Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Seminar along with Judge Colleen A. Falkowski.

October 31, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in John Zinnicker as Chief Deputy Clerk.

October 30, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Logan Kyle as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

October 8, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Anna Horen, Vincent Scaramuzzino, and Kayle Chandler as Juvenile Corrections Officers.

October 3, 2024

Another successful class teaching at the Lake County Corrections Academy.

September 20, 2024

John Zinnicker, Director of the Lake County Juvenile Detention Facility, is talking with a student at the Lake Erie College Career Fair. Juvenile Court is always excited to attend the fair and speak with students interested in talking about careers related to Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Law.

September 10, 2024

Lake County Juvenile Court announces sound budgetary policy. Learn more

Judgement Entry

September 9, 2024

Lake County Juvenile Court Partners with Laketran to Empower At-Risk Youth Through Enrichment Programs. Learn more

August 26, 2024

Congratulations to Heather Denmead and Scott Duke on their beautiful wedding day, August 24, 2024. Judge Michael L. DeLeone Officiating.

August 5, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Brenden Hamilton as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

July 30, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in James Penfold as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

July 26, 2024

Judge DeLeone, Tami Carthen, and Keith Montesano all enjoyed talking and sharing information about the Court with people at the Lake County Fair today.

July 23, 2024

The Lake County Fair welcomed The Ohio State University President Ted Carter. Juvenile Court is grateful for our partnership with the Ohio State University Extension Office with bringing CARTEENS to Lake County. We look forward to continued partnerships in the future.

July 22, 2024

Juvenile Court is very excited to share the new murals in the Detention Center and Education Classroom. Judge DeLeone congratulates Marla Kassoff, Education Services Art Teacher, on her great work.

July 7, 2024

Congratulations to Albert Theodore Uber and Michele Mae Pennell on their beautiful wedding day, July 7,2024. Judge Michael L. DeLeone Officiating.

June 27, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Nina and Nathaniel as Juvenile Corrections Officers.

May 24, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Jack Haskin as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

May 23, 2024

Judge DeLeone working the grill for the Juvenile Court's Memorial Day Cookout as well as honoring staff that have been with the Juvenile Court for 25+ years.

May 20, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Sadie Mollard as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

April 30, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Sharon Delembo as a Juvenile Court Deputy Clerk.

April 17, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Carla Ricket as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

April 17, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Sarah Boyce from Willowick Police Department.

April 15, 2024

Congratulations to Brandon Mark McCoy and Cameron Lee Gmitra on their beautiful wedding day, April 13,2024. Judge Michael L. DeLeone Officiating.

April 5, 2024

Judge DeLeone speaking at the Family Law Seminar.

April 4, 2024

Judge DeLeone deputizing Rebecca and Bailey from Mentor On The Lake Police Department.

April 4, 2024

Judge DeLeone deputizing Michelle Butchock from Willoughby Police Department.

March 25, 2024

Judge DeLeone deputizing Erica Johnson from Wickliffe Police Department.

March 25, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Cameron Bachna as the Assistant Deputy Clerk.

March 21, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Paul Scaramuzzino as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

March 18, 2024

Judge DeLeone supported the recognition of 4H at the March 14th, 2024 Lake County Commissioners meeting. Judge DeLeone took time to recognize the strong, youth based, community group of 4H. Lake County Juvenile Court is looking forward to continued success with their partnership with 4H. Judge DeLeone is proud of all the success 4H has had in Lake County.

March 15, 2024

Judge DeLeone deputizing Eileen Hayes and Lisa Reilly from Mentor Police Department

February 22, 2024

Lake County Juvenile Court Announces New Case Management System.

Click for details

February 15, 2024

Juvenile Court welcomes new Juvenile Correction Officer Corey Gamet. JCO Gamet was sworn in today by Judge DeLeone.

February 13, 2024

Another successful class teaching at the Lake County Corrections Academy.

February 13, 2024

Judge DeLeone was invited to be a guest speaker at the Painesville Exchange Club meeting. It was a great opportunity to present new programming changes at Lake County Juvenile Court to valuable community partners.

January 25, 2024

The Lake County Sheriff’s Explorer Program had a visit and a tour with the Juvenile Court. Judge DeLeone spoke to the group about the importance of law enforcement and the role they play within the court system. The group was able to tour the Court and received some education on how each department services the county. Judge DeLeone was excited to spend time with our future law enforcement community.

January 19, 2024

On Friday, January 19th 2024, Judge DeLeone hosted a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) event presented by the Lake County Bar Association titled ‘Meet Your Judge”. It is designed to give bar association members a CLE credit while learning about a Judge new to the bench. It is an opportunity for the Judge to explain rules and procedures unique to the court. It is also a time, like in Judge DeLeone’s case, to highlight new programming.

January 19, 2024

CARTEENS initiative implemented by Lake County Juvenile Court

Learn More

January 19, 2024

Judge DeLeone is certified through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) to teach the Law Section of the Corrections Officer Academy. Judge DeLeone is happy to offer his time to contribute to the development of Correction Officers at the Lake County Adult Detention Facility and looks forward to teaching at the next section.

View 2023 Fall Corrections Academy Letter

January 10, 2024

Lake County Juvenile Court Announces CARTEENS.

Click for details

January 1, 2024

Amended Rule XIX

The Lake County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division adopted Amended Local Rule XIX on January 1, 2024. This Amended Rule is presented for public comment.

Click for details

December 22, 2023

The Court would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays!

December 20, 2023

Project Hope Holiday Collection

Judge DeLeone and the staff at Lake County Juvenile Court took up a holiday collection to assist Project Hope for the Homeless with their current needs list. Thank you to the team at Project Hope for your dedication to those in our community who are in need.

December 15, 2023

Judge DeLeone is grateful for the opportunity and values the mission of the Lake County Crime Prevention Task Force.

Crime Prevention Letter

December 11, 2023

Protect and Serve Tavern Event

Judge DeLeone was honored to be a part of the Protect and Serve Tavern this weekend serving non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to mall shoppers in an effort to remind everyone to drive sober this holiday season. Judge DeLeone is grateful for the opportunity sponsored by the Lake County Police Chief’s Association, Lake County Crime Prevention Task Force, and the Lake County Safe Communities.

November 17, 2023

Judge DeLeone presented at the Lake County Bar Association’s GAL Seminar. A portion of his presentation focused on the Juvenile Division’s Amended Rule IX for electronic filing effective November 20, 2023. Judge DeLeone is grateful for the opportunity to present to the Bar Association.

Amended Rule IX

November 1, 2023

Chiefs Meeting

On November 1, 2023 Judge DeLeone was honored to attend the Lake County Police Chief Meeting. Judge DeLeone shares his thoughts, receives feedback, and looks forward to collaboratively working with local law enforcement. Judge DeLeone is grateful to all those that serve our community.

November 2, 2023

On November 2, 2023 Judge DeLeone swears in a clerks from the Painesville Police Department. Judge DeLeone appreciates the hard work of everyone at the Painesville Police Department.

October 30, 2023

On October 30, 2023 Judge DeLeone swears in a clerk from Willowick Police Department. Judge DeLeone appreciates the hard work of everyone at the Willowick Police Department.

October 26, 2023

On October 26, 2023 Judge DeLeone swears in an officer and clerk from Mentor on the Lake Police Department. Judge DeLeone appreciates the hard work of everyone at the Mentor on the Lake Police Department.

October 6, 2023

Juvenile Court debuts night court

Juvenile Court debuts night court

September 19, 2023

Lake County Juvenile Court Announces Appointments to the Citizens Review Board

Honorable Judge DeLeone has appointed two new members the Court’s Citizens Review Board. Cynthia Brooks and Bishop Gerard Mirbel were appointed for a term of (3) years, commencing October 1, 2023. Honorable Judge DeLeone has also re-appointed Elaine Waytes for a new term of 3 years commencing on October 1, 2023.

The Citizens Review Board is a panel that is appointed by the Judge to annually review cases of youth placed in Permanent Custody or Planned Permanent Living Arrangement. The Review Board meets the third Thursday in January, May, and September. Per the Ohio Revised Code, the Board shall consist of one member representing the general public, and four members who are trained or experienced the care of placement of children and have training or experience in the fields of medicine, psychology, social work, education, and or any related field.

The appointees will be joining current Board Members, Dr. Farshid Afsarifard and Michael Hurley Esq. Judge DeLeone would like to thank Rolanda Schonauer whose term expires and her seven years she has served the board. View PDF

September 14, 2023

Lake County Juvenile Court Announces Court Closure

Due to smoke and carbon monoxide pockets in the courthouse, in the abundance of caution where safety is a priority, the court will be closed today. The Juvenile Court Detention Center operates on a different filtration system which was not impacted. The Painesville City Fire Department assessed and determined that all youth and staff in the detention center are safe.

Thank you to the Painesville City Fire Department for a prompt response and putting our citizens safety first. Click for details

August 31, 2023

Lake County Juvenile Court Announces Utilization of Family Law Forms

Effective September 8, 2023 the Lake County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division will no longer accept for filing the form complaint for custody, parenting time, child support, and other family law matters. The Honorable Judge Michael L. DeLeone has implemented the utilization of standardized family law forms established by the Supreme Court of Ohio. The standard family law forms will be available on the court's website, and in person at the Juvenile Division’s Clerks Office. The forms can also be accessed directly from the Ohio Supreme Court’s website. Judge DeLeone believes this will improve public access to file motions, clarity of requested relief, as well as increase consistency of filings. The present complaint forms will no longer be accepted for filings.

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