Zanesville Law Director Facing Charges

The Zanesville City Law Director has a date in Muskingum County Court Thursday, but the charges are against him. Muskingum County Prosecutor Mike Haddox says a complaint has been filed in County Court against Scott Hillis. He is facing one count of soliciting which is a 3rd degree misdemeanor and one count of criminal trespassing which is a 4th degree misdemeanor. The details relating to the charges have not yet been released, but are the result of an investigation by the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office on July 19th, 2012.   The 48-year-old Hillis is facing up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine if convicted of the soliciting charge and up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine if convicted of the criminal trespassing charge. Hillis is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 Thursday before visiting Judge Timothy France from Coshocton County. Hillis says he will not resign from office as a result of the charges.

As for Hillis’ future as Law Director, he is an elected official and cannot be removed from office by city officials. WHIZ contacted the Supreme Court of Ohio about the status of Hillis’ law license. Public Information Officer Bret Crow says misdemeanor convictions do not result in any immediate sanction. However, Hillis’ conduct can be investigated by the Ohio Disciplinary Counsel or a grievance committee which would form the basis for a formal complaint. Then if the Board of the Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline finds the lawyers misconduct warrants a disciplinary action, the board would file a report and recommendation with the court.