COLUMBUS, Ohio — Following his second arrest over a two-month period, 34 Ohio House Republicans have released a letter calling for Rep. Bob Young to resign.
"Serving in the Ohio House of Representatives is a privilege – not a right," the letter reads. "While our prayers are with the family of Rep. Bob Young during this difficult period for them, we have serious concerns about his recent conduct, and it is clear that he is unable to provide effective representation to his constituents at this time. We genuinely hope that our colleague can receive the help he needs, and with that being the utmost importance, we call on Rep. Bob Young to resign."
Those who signed the letter include:
- Rep. Bill Roemer (Richfield)
- Rep. Scott Wiggam (Wayne County)
- Rep. Marilyn S. John (Shelby)
- Rep. Steve Demetriou (Bainbridge Township)
- Rep. Darrell Kick (Loudonville)
- Rep. Dick Stein (Norwalk)
- Rep. Phil Plummer (Dayton)
- Rep. Derek Merrin (Monclova Township)
- Rep. Susan Manchester (Waynesfield)
- Rep. Brian Stewart (Ashville)
- Rep. Ron Ferguson (Wintersville)
- Rep. Gary Click (Vickery)
- Rep. Beth Lear (Galena)
- Rep. Bernie Willis (Springfield)
- Rep. Rodney Creech (West Alexandria)
- Rep. Brian Lorenz (Powell)
- Rep. Thaddeus J. Claggett (Newark)
- Rep. Jennifer Gross (West Chester)
- Rep. Scott Lipps (Franklin)
- Rep. Josh Williams (Sylvania)
- Rep. Nick Santucci (Howland Township)
- Rep. Tom Young (Washington Township)
- Rep. Adam C. Bird (New Richmond)
- Rep. Adam Holmes (Nashport)
- Rep. Riordan McClain (Upper Sandusky)
- Rep. Thomas Hall (Madison Township)
- Rep. Tim Barhorst (Fort Loramie)
- Rep. Mark Johnson (Chillicothe)
- Rep. Brian Lampton (Beavercreek)
- Rep. Kevin D. Miller (Newark)
- Rep. Adam Mathews (Lebanon)
- Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari (Perrysburg)
- Rep. Jena Powell (Arcanum)
- Rep. Angie King (Celina)
The letter comes just more than a week after Young — who currently represents much of southern Summit County in the 32nd District — was arrested for allegedly violating a protection order that was issued following his initial July arrest on accusations of domestic violence. According to an affidavit obtained by 3News, Young used his cell phone to call someone who has a protection order against him (the name was officially redacted). The representative left as many as three voicemail messages after 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, before the person reported the activity to police.
Deputies arrested Young without incident on a charge of violating a protection order. He was booked into the Tuscarawas County Jail before later being picked up by Summit County deputies, who transported him to the Summit County Jail.
"To me, it's both an honor and a privilege to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives, and we're here to serve the people," Rep. Phil Plummer told WKYC. "We make laws, you know? We shouldn't be breaking laws."
During his court appearance last week, Young entered a not guilty plea and was ordered to wear a GPS monitoring device 24/7. Young was also issued a personal recognizance bond.
Young was previously arrested on July 7 after officers were dispatched to a residence in the City of Green for a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Young's brother, who told police that the lawmaker had attempted to gain entry into his house without permission.
The brother proceeded to explain that his sister-in-law — Bob's wife — came to his residence at 2 a.m. seeking safe haven because Bob had allegedly assaulted her. He also said that Bob was attempting to make contact with his wife and children at the house, which he wasn't going to allow due to the circumstances.
Rep. Young's brother stated that after he saw Bob pull into his driveway and park, he exited the residence and stood on the front step. The brother claimed he told him that he was not welcome there and that he would not allow him into the house.
Rep. Young then allegedly lowered his shoulder and charged at his brother in an attempt to gain entry into the house. A scuffle ensued with his brother pushing him, with Bob going through a glass storm door. The brother also suffered cuts on his arms during the incident.
Bob's wife told police that the initial incident occurred at 1 a.m. at the couple's residence in Green. She told police that her husband was yelling at her friend when she stuck her hand in front of the representative's face to stop him from yelling.
Rep. Young's wife said that he proceeded to grab her arm and strike her in the right side of the face with an open hand. During the argument, she told him she was going to call 911, at which time he allegedly grabbed the phone out of her hand and threw it into the pool.
The couple's daughter also told police that while watching through a window, she observed Rep. Young strike her mom and throw her cell phone in the pool when she said she was going to call police.
Rep. Young's wife requested a temporary protection order. He was later indicted on one count of Domestic Violence and one count of Assault — both first-degree misdemeanors.
After news of Young's initial arrest was first made public, Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens — a fellow Republican — called for him to resign. Following his second arrest, he was removed as chair of Ohio House Pensions Committee.
In the time since, other Ohio political leaders have stated their desire for Young to step down. That list now includes Gov. Mike DeWine, also a Republican.
"Well, this is a matter that is obviously up to the General Assembly, but these are some serious charges," DeWine told reporters. "his is not a good situation, so you know, I think he should resign."
Plummer commended the governor's statement, and asked others across the state to step up, as well.
"[DeWine]'s a man of integrity and he'll call you out if you're wrong, so he's right," Plummer said. "So we appreciate his support on this, as well. Speaker Stephens called for his resignation, as well, [and] I'd like for our leadership team to jump in and ask, as well."
3News has reached out to Young's office for comment, but has not heard back.