HOCKING COUNTY, Ohio — On Thursday, the Ohio Supreme Court issued a two-year suspension from practicing law to former Hocking County Prosecutor Ryan Black due to “inappropriate sexual conduct” with two female employees, an assistant prosecutor (S.R.) and a victim’s advocate (K.V.), whom he supervised. The court’s ruling detailed Black’s sexually charged comments, including remarks about S.R.’s clothing and body, sending shirtless photos, and pressuring K.V. into a sexual encounter. Additional misconduct included crude sexual innuendos, such as a “carrot” comment at a party and texting four carrot emojis to S.R., as well as joking about K.V.’s pregnancy termination and miscarriage. Black also referenced a “casting couch” in his office, suggesting female employees wear bikinis to move it, a remark tied to allegations reported by the Scioto Valley Guardian about a “porn couch” in his office where he allegedly engaged in sexual activity.
The court found Black’s actions created a hostile and unprofessional work environment, marked by frequent obscenities, sexual comments, and erratic behavior, adversely reflecting on his fitness to practice law. Black resigned as prosecutor in April 2024 after S.R. and K.V. filed a sexual discrimination lawsuit against him in U.S. District Court in Columbus, which was later settled and dismissed.
The final six months of Black’s suspension will be stayed if he avoids further misconduct. He is required to submit quarterly reports verifying mental health and substance abuse treatment and participate in the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program, including random drug and alcohol testing. Black acknowledged his alcohol abuse, agoraphobia, and bipolar disorder, agreeing he needs treatment before resuming legal practice. During his disciplinary hearing, he accepted responsibility, admitting the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office was “one of the most unprofessionally run offices in the state” under his leadership.
Additional allegations, including an inappropriate relationship with a client and threatening to arrest the county’s IT director, were dismissed. The disciplinary process began in April 2024 when the Ohio Disciplinary Counsel filed a complaint with the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct, culminating in the Supreme Court’s ruling.