The Supreme Court of Ohio has permanently disbarred Amber R. Goodman, a northwest Ohio attorney from Elida, following her conviction for unlawful sexual contact with a minor. The court's decision comes after Goodman's interim suspension in 2022 due to her felony conviction. She served eight months of a 30-month prison sentence and is under five years of community control.
Goodman was involved in a criminal case centered around her relationship with her boyfriend and his 13-year-old daughter. Both Goodman and the father were convicted for coercing the teen into sexual activity. Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy stated that Goodman's actions were "tantamount to rape," justifying the severe sanction of disbarment.
Justice Michael P. Donnelly concurred, criticizing the plea bargain process that allowed Goodman to plead guilty to a lesser charge than the acts she committed warranted. He emphasized the need for plea bargains to reflect factual conduct accurately.
The case began when a 13-year-old girl, identified as "L.H.", reported abuse by her father and Goodman in 2019. This led to an investigation by the Fostoria Police Department, revealing that the abuse started when L.H. was nine years old.
At her disciplinary hearing, Goodman admitted to misconduct but portrayed herself as a victim of manipulation by L.H.'s father. The Board of Professional Conduct recommended indefinite suspension; however, the court opted for permanent disbarment due to the gravity of Goodman's actions.
Justice Donnelly noted that prosecutors had evidence sufficient to charge Goodman with rape but allowed her to plead guilty to unlawful sexual contact with a minor instead—a decision he argued undermined accountability.
In addition to disbarment, Goodman must cover costs related to disciplinary proceedings.