Esber Beverage Co. v. Labatt USA Operating Co.

{¶ 1} Richard J. Thomas, counsel for defendant Superior Beverage Group, Ltd., has filed an affidavit with the clerk of this court under R.C. 2701.03 seeking to disqualify Judge Frank Forchione from presiding over any further proceedings in the above-captioned case.

{¶ 2} Thomas claims that Judge Forchione has exhibited bias in favor of plaintiff, a locally owned Stark County business, throughout the litigation. For example, Thomas avers that Judge Forchione has permitted plaintiff to “unilaterally control the discovery process.” Thomas also asserts that Judge Forchione has expressed…