An Ohio lawmaker Friday announced plans to resign his seat next month following bipartisan outcries about his two arrests related to alleged domestic violence.
Ohio State Rep. Bob Young informed Ohio GOP House Speaker Jason Stephens in a letter of his decision to resign effective October 2, according to a Washington Examiner report.
His decision followed calls for his resignation from Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH), Stephens and from more than 30 members of the Ohio House GOP, who joined an appeal from Democrats.
Young faced indictment by a grand jury on charges of domestic violence and assault in July, the report noted.
The lawmaker allegedly physically assaulted his wife, striking her face, according to the report.
He was further accused of throwing her phone into a pool to prevent her from dialing 911, according to a report from The Associated Press.
Young’s wife reportedly sought refuge at the home of Young’s brother, who locked his door against his brother, the report noted.
The Ohio lawmaker allegedly charged his brother, resulting in a shattered door and injuries to both men, according to authorities.
Young was arrested again in August and charged with violating a protective order by allegedly leaving multiple voicemails for his wife.
Following this arrest, he was released but was required to wear an ankle monitor at all times, The Associated Press reported.
Ohio House Speaker Stephens removed Young from his role as chairman of the Pensions Committee August 31.
Rep. Adam Mathews assumed the position of committee chair, and Young’s name has been removed from the list of committee members, the Washington Examiner reported.
In the correspondence announcing his resignation, Young expressed his intention to contest the charges levied against him.
Young said the arrests and the events surrounding them have become a “distraction” to the functioning of the House.
He is scheduled to stand trial October 24.
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