On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, the Ohio Disciplinary Counsel filed a complaint against Attorney Ryan Richard Black with the Board of Professional Conduct of the Supreme Court of Ohio. The complaint alleges multiple violations of professional conduct rules involving inappropriate sexual conduct.
The case is entitled “Disciplinary Counsel v. Ryan Richard Black, Esq.,” with case no. 2024-012.
The complaint stems from Black’s actions since being elected as Hocking County Prosecutor in January 2021. It alleges he created a hostile work environment at the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office through repeated unprofessional behavior such as using obscenities and having outbursts of screaming.
The complaint lists three counts of alleged misconduct against Black. The first count accuses Black of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with two female employees – former Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Russell-Ramos and victim advocate K.V. It details numerous instances where Black made sexually explicit comments and sent inappropriate texts and shirtless photos to the women.
With Russell-Ramos, the complaint alleges Black commented on her appearance in a sexually graphic way in front of others. It also says he sent her shirtless photos on multiple occasions and implied he would give her a big raise if she complimented his body more. With K.V., the complaint claims Black propositioned her for a sexual relationship, kissed her, and had sex with her on two occasions at his home. It includes sexually explicit text messages where Black pressured K.V. for intercourse.
The second count of the complaint charges Black with having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a client – Hocking County Commissioner Jessica Dicken. It says Robinson, Black’s then-fiancée, walked in on Dicken performing oral sex on Black at their home on August 2, 2023.
The third count accuses Black of improperly using his public office when he threatened the Hocking County IT Director with criminal charges for not immediately fixing computer issues at the prosecutor’s office. It includes a text where Black warns the director about potential obstruction charges.
In addition, the complaint details other unprofessional conduct by Black such as only speaking to staff if they complimented his appearance, keeping a gun in his office, and planning to use a new office couch for purportedly recording sexual activity. It alleges his behavior made employees afraid of his volatility.
The complaint portrays a disturbing account of numerous ethical lapses and raises serious questions about Black’s fitness and temperament to serve as a county prosecutor. A final determination of any rule violations will be left to the disciplinary process. However, the extensive allegations bring serious credibility issues and credibility regarding Black’s continued ability to properly discharge his duties.
The complaint states:
“Relator requests that respondent be found in violation of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and be sanctioned accordingly.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Black is an attorney in Logan, Ohio. He acquired his law license in Ohio in 2018.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
