On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, the Supreme Court of Ohio ordered the interim remedial suspension of Cleveland Heights attorney Eric Edward Norton. The case is styled “Disciplinary Counsel v. Norton,” case #2023-0648.
The suspension was the Court’s response after Norton have been accused of attempting to bring methamphetamine into the Cuyahoga County Jail and possessing child pornography on his phone.
The incident occurred on December 15, 2022, when Norton had a scheduled meeting with an inmate at the jail. During the screening process, Norton left his belongings behind after being asked to remove any items he had on him. He walked off with a plastic bag containing 5.12 grams of methamphetamine, which he later discarded in a restroom. A sheriff’s deputy noticed Norton’s suspicious behavior, discovered the bag of drugs, and detained Norton. A subsequent search warrant for Norton’s phone revealed child exploitation materials.
Norton has been indicted on charges including possession of drugs, possession of child pornography, and tampering with evidence.
According to the court filing, the disciplinary counsel filed a motion seeking the Court to put Norton on interim remedial suspension alleging that the latter has engaged in conduct that violates the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public.
In light of the foregoing facts the Court, upon its consideration of the motion, ordered the interim remedial suspension of Norton. The suspension will take effect on the date of the entry of the order, pending the final disposition of disciplinary proceedings.
Mr. Eric Edward Norton earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University. He practiced in Cleveland Heights, prior to the suspension. He has been admitted to practice in Ohio, license no. 0071563. Norton’s bio can be found on his own page.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
