On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association filed a complaint with the Board of Professional Conduct of the Supreme Court of Ohio against attorney Jeffrey McGaffick, alleging professional misconduct following his arrest and guilty plea in a prostitution-related case.
The case is entitled “Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association v. Jeffrey McGaffick,” with case no. 2025-009.
The complaint alleges that McGaffick violated Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(a), 8.4(b), and 8.4(h).
The allegations stem from events in early 2024, when McGaffick began engaging with unsolicited emails about potential “hookups” and researched escort services online. He contacted an escort website, communicated via text with an individual he believed to be a single person, and agreed to pay $180 for an encounter.
On April 24, 2024, McGaffick drove approximately 60 miles from Cleveland to meet the individual in Salem, Ohio, where he was arrested by the City of Salem Police Department. The individual was an undercover officer with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. McGaffick spent one night in jail and was released on a personal recognizance bond the following day.
On June 20, 2024, McGaffick pleaded no contest in Columbiana County Municipal Court to two misdemeanors: engaging in prostitution under R.C. 2907.231(B) and possessing criminal tools (his cell phone) under R.C. 2923.24. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail for the prostitution charge and 30 days for the criminal tools charge, both of which were suspended. McGaffick was ordered to pay $250 for each charge, complete 20 hours of community service, and take an online prostitution prevention course. He has since completed these requirements, paid probation fees, and informed his clients and the Mentor Municipal Court judge of his conviction.
McGaffick has no prior disciplinary history and cooperated fully with the investigation. He has sought counseling, engaged with the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program, and installed software to monitor his internet activity, alerting an accountability partner to questionable content.
The complaint states:
“WHEREFORE, pursuant to Gov. Bar R. V., and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, Relator alleges that Respondent is chargeable with misconduct. Therefore, Relator requests that the Board find that Respondent violated the Rules of Professional Conduct and recommend a sanction that is fair and just and in accordance with the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. McGaffick is a general practice attorney in Cleveland, Ohio. He acquired his law license in Ohio in 1986.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
