Supreme Court of Ohio Grants ACLU of Ohio’s Request, Allows Case to Proceed against Geauga County Sheriff’s Office for its Failure to Abide by Public Records Law

Columbus, OH – Today, the Supreme Court of Ohio granted an alternative writ of mandamus, ordering evidence to be produced and briefing to commence in the ACLU of Ohio’s lawsuit against the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office for its failure to comply with Ohio’s public records laws and release documents and communications pertaining to contractual arrangements with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies to carry out federal immigration functions.

The ACLU of Ohio filed this mandamus action on behalf of its Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer Jocelyn Rosnick on May 20, 2025.

“This case is part of a broader pattern, and we are gratified that the Supreme Court of Ohio has decided that it will move forward. Now we are eager for the Court to take the next step and confirm that government officials cannot skirt their legal duty to provide information in a lawful and timely manner. Ohio public records law is clear: these records belong to the public. The ACLU of Ohio is proud to serve as a watchdog for government transparency, and we will continue to hold Geauga County accountable,” offered Amy Gilbert, Senior Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Ohio.

The Supreme Court of Ohio set a briefing schedule for both parties as the case continues to final resolution.

Read the court order.