CASA for Kids Executive Director Mary Ruth Shumway is facing charges related to a letter sent to volunteers that appeared to endorse a candidate for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court judge.
CASA for Kids Executive Director Mary Ruth Shumway is facing charges related to a letter sent to volunteers that appeared to endorse a candidate for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court judge.
The charges include a first-degree misdemeanor for violations involving newsletters of political subdivisions and a second-degree misdemeanor for dereliction of duty.
Complaints were filed against Shumway in Chardon Municipal Court April 10, citing alleged violations of Ohio Revised Code 9.03(D)(8), 2921.44(E) and 9.03(C)(1)(e).
“(Shumway) directed an employee of CASA during work hours on 2/11/2026 to email a letter dated 2/9/2026, addressed to approximately 62 CASA volunteers, printed on CASA letterhead and bearing (Shumway’s) signature as executive director,” the complaint said. “The letter expresses multiple opinions about candidates for juvenile/probate judge: it concluded that ‘only Magistrate Abbey L. King is qualified for the job of Geauga County Juvenile/Probate Judge.’ All CASA employees, including (Shumway), are employees of the Geauga County Juvenile/Probate Court.”
The complaints also state Shumway knowingly conducted a direct or indirect transaction of public funds to benefit a candidate and recklessly failed to perform a duty required by law in her role as a public servant, specifically by using public funds to publish, distribute or communicate information supporting or opposing a candidate for public office.
In February, Shumway emailed a letter to CASA volunteers and several CASA staff members discussing the three candidates for probate/juvenile court judge in Geauga County.
In addition to stating she believed King was the only qualified candidate, Shumway also outlined concerns about candidate Stephanie Anderson, which Anderson has said are untrue and misrepresent her record.
Shumway is currently suspended from her position and will remain so until May, following an internal court investigation. Temporary county Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Robert Berger said her violations included personal use of the court’s computer system, unauthorized use of the CASA letterhead, unauthorized use of her title and use of court employees to assist in the email and distribution of the letter.
She is scheduled to be arraigned May 11 in Chardon Municipal Court before Judge Terri Stupica.
