In re Disqualification of Crawford

{¶ 1} James Helfrich, the alleged contemnor in the underlying criminal-contempt proceeding, has filed an affidavit with the clerk of this court under R.C. 2701.03 seeking to disqualify Judge Dale A. Crawford, a retired judge sitting by assignment, from presiding over the contempt hearing in case No. 2011-MD-0006 in the Court of Common Pleas of Licking County.

{¶ 2} Helfrich alleges that Judge Crawford’s conduct at a January 15, 2013 pretrial conference demonstrates bias and prejudice against Helfrich and that because of this conduct, Judge Crawford’s impartiality at the upcoming hearing might…