Juror no-shows will get judicial ‘invitation’

LIMA — For the second time in as many weeks some Allen County residents will be receiving special invitations from Allen County Common Pleas Judge Terri Kohlrieser to join her for a little chat.

Some 70 potential jurors were summoned to appear at the Allen County Justice Center on Monday for possible selection in the felonious assault trial of Jacquavius Cooper. The majority of those summoned either arrived at the justice center or had previously been excused from jury duty on a case-by case basis by the judge.

Twenty-three county residents, however, apparently chose to simply ignore their summons.

“They will be issued an invitation to come in and show good cause why they should not be held in contempt of court,” Kohlrieser said.

The case scheduled for trial on Monday was dismissed (for reasons other than a juror shortage) but the judge was not pleased that county residents are ignoring a summons to appear for jury duty.

Last week Kohlrieser and Judge Jeffrey Reed held 10 people in contempt for failing to show up for jury duty. The judges each held five people in contempt, with Kohlrieser issuing bench warrants for two people who did not appear at their contempt hearings. Reed issued one bench warrant for an individual who did not make an appearance.

Those who were found in contempt were ordered to pay a $50 fine. If they don’t show up to future appearances, that amount could increase.