Press Release


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


Judge Deleone being sworn in on December 20th, 2024
Judge Deleone being sworn in on December 20th, 2024
Judge Deleone being sworn in on December 20th, 2024
Judge Deleone being sworn in on December 20th, 2024

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


Adopt-A-Family Holiday Wishlist 2024.

December 12, 2024

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


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

December 11, 2024

Notary Public Oath for Sharon Delembo and Kelly Duthie.


Notary Public Oath for Sharon Delembo and Kelly Duthie.
Notary Public Oath for Sharon Delembo and Kelly Duthie.

December 9, 2024

Notary Public Oath for John Zinnicker.


Notary Public Oath for John Zinnicker.
Notary Public Oath for John Zinnicker.

November 27, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!

November 21, 2024

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


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


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


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


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.


Judge DeLeone swearing in John Zinnicker as Chief Deputy Clerk.
Judge DeLeone swearing in John Zinnicker as Chief Deputy Clerk.
Judge DeLeone swearing in John Zinnicker as Chief Deputy Clerk.

October 30, 2024

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


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


Judge DeLeone swearing in Anna Horen as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.
Judge DeLeone swearing in Vincent Scaramuzzino as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.
Judge DeLeone swearing in Kayle Chandler as a Juvenile Corrections Officer.

October 3, 2024

Another successful class teaching at the Lake County Corrections Academy.


Another successful class teaching at the Lake County Corrections Academy.
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.


John Zinnicker speaking with Student at Lake Erie College Career Fair

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


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

August 26, 2024

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


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.


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


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


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.


The Lake County Fair welcomed The Ohio State University President Ted Carter.
Judge DeLeone with Brutus

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.


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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


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.


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


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


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

May 20, 2024

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


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


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


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

April 17, 2024

Judge DeLeone swearing in Sarah Boyce from Willowick Police Department.


Judge DeLeone swearing in Sarah Boyce from Willowick Police Department
Judge DeLeone swearing in Sarah Boyce from Willowick Police Department
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.


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.


Judge DeLeone speaking at Family Law Seminar
Judge DeLeone speaking at Family Law Seminar
Judge DeLeone speaking at Family Law Seminar
Judge DeLeone speaking at Family Law Seminar

April 4, 2024

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


Deputizing Officer from Mentor On The Lake Police Department
Deputizing Officer from Mentor On The Lake Police Department
Deputizing Officer from Mentor On The Lake Police Department
Deputizing Officer from Mentor On The Lake Police Department

April 4, 2024

Judge DeLeone deputizing Michelle Butchock from Willoughby Police Department.


Deputizing Officer from Willoughby Police Department

March 25, 2024

Judge DeLeone deputizing Erica Johnson from Wickliffe Police Department.


Deputizing Officer from Wickliffe Police Department
Deputizing Officer from Wickliffe Police Department

March 25, 2024

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


Oath for new Assistant Deputy Clerk
Oath for new Assistant Deputy Clerk

March 21, 2024

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


Oath for new Juvenile Corrections Officer
Oath for new 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.


Judge DeLeone with 4H group
Judge DeLeone with 4H group

March 15, 2024

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

Judge DeLeone at Painesville Exchange Club Meeting
Judge DeLeone at Painesville Exchange Club Meeting
Judge DeLeone at Painesville Exchange Club Meeting
Judge DeLeone at Painesville Exchange Club Meeting

February 22, 2024

Lake County Juvenile Court Announces New Case Management System.

Click for details


Judge DeLeone with Faith Andrews and County Commissioners
Judge DeLeone speaking

February 15, 2024


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


Judge DeLeone Swears in JCO Corey Gamet

February 13, 2024


Another successful class teaching at the Lake County Corrections Academy.


Judge DeLeone at 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.


Judge DeLeone at Painesville Exchange Club Meeting
Judge DeLeone at Painesville Exchange Club Meeting
Judge DeLeone at Painesville Exchange Club Meeting
Judge DeLeone at Painesville Exchange Club Meeting

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.


Lake County Bar Association Event
Lake County Bar Association Event
Lake County Bar Association Event

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.


Lake County Bar Association Event
Lake County Bar Association Event

January 19, 2024


CARTEENS initiative implemented by Lake County Juvenile Court

Learn More

News Harold CARTEENS Article

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


Ohio State Highway Patrol

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!

Probation Department Holiday Picture
Juvenile Court Holiday Picture

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.


Project Hope Holiday Collection
Project Hope Holiday Collection

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.

Judge DeLeone at Protect and Serve Tavern Event
Judge DeLeone at Protect and Serve Tavern Event
Judge DeLeone at Protect and Serve Tavern Event
Judge DeLeone at Protect and Serve Tavern Event
Judge DeLeone at Protect and Serve Tavern Event

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

Judge DeLeone at Chiefs Meeting
Judge DeLeone at Chiefs Meeting

Judge DeLeone at Chiefs Meeting
Judge DeLeone at 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


Painesville Police Department Swearing In
Painesville Police Department Swearing In

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


Mentor On The Lake Police Department Swearing In

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


Mentor On The Lake Police Department Swearing In
Mentor On The Lake Police Department Swearing In

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 Night Court Article

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.

News

May 16, 2019
Lake County Juvenile Detention Center Garden Program plants positive roots

November 30, 2018
Lake County Juvenile Court program honored

October 17, 2017
Lake County judge’s gardening program earns state honor

September 9, 2017
Lake County Juvenile Court teams with United Way for new at-risk youth program

August 6, 2017
Lake County Master Gardeners teach juvenile detainees how to grow

November 23, 2016
Rainbow Babies thankful for juvenile court

November 18, 2016
Ohio Court Professionals Complete Executive Training Program

November 9, 2015
School truancy filings down in Lake County

November 26, 2014
Juvenile offenders giving, receiving help this holiday

March 13, 2014
Lake County judge appointed to Ohio Supreme Court board

December 6, 2013
Lake County Juvenile Court program lauded by state

November 27, 2013
Lake County Juvenile Court hosts Thanksgiving Auction for Clothe-A-Child

June 27, 2013
Juvenile drug cases down in Lake County

June 26, 2013
Juvenile court employee to lead Family & Children First Council

February 14, 2013
Splashtop Case Study: Lake County Juvenile Court uses technology to increase efficiency

October 15, 2012
Lake County Juvenile Court staffers become nationally certified

August 16,2012

The Lake County Juvenile Court Garden Program produced some award winning vegetables at the Lake County Fair. Congratulations to everyone, but especially the children who worked so hard to produce these winners! 


July 8, 2012
Lake County Juvenile Court opens rehab unit for youths

June 29, 2012
Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Karen Lawson takes teens on bicycle ride

October 16, 2011 - News-Herald:
Juvenile Court administrator appointed to statewide committee

March 26, 2011 - News-Herald:
BOUQUETS and BRICKBATS: Rotarians help with donation of laptops

March 22, 2011 - Mentor Patch:
Mentor, Painesville Rotaries Donate Laptops to Juvenile Court Computer Lab

March 21, 2011 - News-Herald:
Mentor, Painesville rotary clubs donate computers to Juvenile Court

February 23, 2011 - Fox 8 News:
Teen ordered to register as Tier 3 Sex Offender

February 13, 2011 - News-Herald:
Juveniles work to pay back their victims

February 13, 2011 - News-Herald:
Breakfast raises funds for Scouting

November 19, 2010 - News-Herald:
Editorial: Law should help address truancy

November 15, 2010 - News-Herald:
Heroin makes 'significant impact' on teens, young adults

September 11, 2010 - News-Herald:
BOUQUETS and BRICKBATS: Great Geauga Fair lives up to its name

September 6, 2010 - News-Herald:
 
Detained kids get diplomas

August 9, 2010 - News-Herald:
Juvenile detention gardening program wins award

August 6, 2010 - News-Herald:
Countywide truancy program set to begin

April 6, 2010 - News-Herald:
Local juvenile courts leading way with new risk assessment tool

March 9, 2010 - News-Herald:
Court program gives teens voices

February 9, 2010 - News-Herald:
Judge looks to expand truancy program

December 11, 2009 - News-Herald:
Violinist brings music to detention center

October 2, 2009 - News-Herald:
LeBron's right-hand man inspires area juveniles

August 30, 2009 - News-Herald:
Corrections program aims to help juvenile offenders grow and thrive

August 20, 2009 - News-Herald:
New court program should reduce truancy

July 17, 2009 - News-Herald:
Traffic waiver program spreads to rest of county

June 7, 2009 - News-Herald:
Teen drug court tough

May 26, 2009 - News-Herald:
Traffic court for teens will get easier

May 19, 2009 - News-Herald:
'Waive' goodbye to some juvenile traffic court appearances

February 19, 2009 - News-Herald:
Judge, commissioners did the right thing

February 13, 2009 - News-Herald:
Court budget flap settled