Disciplinary Counsel v. Anthony J. Polizzi Jr., Case No. 2020-0740
Lake County

In March 2018, Anthony Polizzi Jr. pleaded guilty to eight counts of gross sexual imposition and sexual battery based on relationships he had with two teenage students when he was a high school teacher from 2006 to 2010. Between the time he was asked to leave Cornerstone Christian Academy and the date of his conviction, Polizzi earned a law degree, passed the bar, and practiced law until he was indicted for the sex crimes.

The Board of Professional Conduct proposes disbarring Polizzi not only because of the convictions, but also for not being truthful about the incidents once he became a lawyer and for not taking full responsibility for his actions. Polizzi, 42 years old at the time of his disciplinary hearing, is asking the Ohio Supreme Court to indefinitely suspend him with the hope of regaining the ability to practice law again once he completes his 28-year prison sentence. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court will hear arguments by videoconference, which will be livestreamed.