Suspension for Ohio Lawyer Found to Have Neglected Jailed Client

An Ohio lawyer who was appointed to represent a convicted felon in the appeal of his sentence was suspended by the state’s highest court for violating ethics rules on communicating with clients.

The Ohio Supreme Court agreed with its professional conduct board that Loretta Ann Riddle’s conduct warranted a stayed six-month suspension rather than a public reprimand because Riddle “failed to take full responsibility for her actions,” the court said Oct. 22.

The Sandusky, Ohio, lawyer was appointed in 2016 to represent Andrew Kouts in the appeal of his 16 1/2-year prison sentence.

After not hearing from Riddle for ...