Watchdog: Trumbull official defends performance in 3 roles, Clerk of Courts says he's hired for a reason
Devon Stanley works full-time as Chief Deputy for the Trumbull County Clerk of Courts, and he's also paid a full-time salary to work about two days a week as Girard's assistant prosecutor.
On top of that, he holds a third public position, serving as a Liberty Township Trustee.
After a tipster questioned how he can juggle three roles in a way that's fair to taxpayers, 21 News asked Stanley, Girard and the Trumbull County Clerk of Courts for an explanation.
Girard Law Director Brian Kren said Stanley is paid a salary to handle the criminal court docket, "which is typically Wednesdays and Thursday mornings as well as being on call to advise the local law enforcement agencies that serve. As licensed attorneys, our conflict rules and regulations are dictated by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and other Ohio Ethics and/or Attorney General advisory opinions."
Stanley said he was upfront with the Trumbull County Clerk of Courts about continuing his Girard role when accepting the county job in January.
"I sidelined a private practice to take this job," Stanley said, "I asked specifically to work around the limited time that I work in Girard as the prosecutor. I can assure the public that I work my full 40 hours before and after the regular operation hours for the clerk of courts."
He also said he's the first deputy clerk who's an attorney, something he and his boss, Trumbull County Clerk of Courts Randy Law, said brings added value to the department despite obligations in other roles.
That role requires two meetings per month, one of which is held during business hours. Stanley said the meeting time doesn't interfere with his weekday responsibilities.
He also acknowledges doing some work as a private attorney during the day as well, but said those are cases he's finishing up from before he took the county job.
Stanley provided records showing that by the end of the day on Thursday, case filing in the clerk's office was up to speed and told 21 News it has remained that way.
"I can also assure you there is no backlog at the clerk of courts," he said, "We do not leave the building without knowing everything has been processed."
Trumbull County Clerk of Courts Randy Law said Stanley puts in "50 to 60 hours per week and is one of the top attorneys in the county, and handles staff very well."
"I do work the hours. I'm not required to punch a time clock. I'm not required to work specific hours," Stanley said, "I am here every hour available, and I work before, after, and on other hours."
