Suspension recommended for attorney

A Lorain County area attorney could face a suspension from practicing law for two years.

According to a report from the Board of Professional Conduct of the Supreme Court of Ohio, it recommends Kenneth J. Lewis, of Brunswick, be suspended from practicing for two years, with six months of that stayed, if he complies with all the terms of his twoyear contract with the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program, continue attending alcoholics anonymous and refrain from further misconduct.

Lewis also would be required to demonstrate his ability to return to practicing the law competently, ethically and professionally, as well as serving a two-year monitoring period upon reinstatement, the report said.

The recommended suspension is the result of an incident Lewis and another attorney were involved in June 8, 2016.

Lewis, who was then 42, and Heather Wilsey, who was 26, were charged by the Elyria Police Department after crashing a gray Acura TL into a utility pole.

According to police reports, Wilsey and Lewis, who were intoxicated, told officers an unknown black male was driving the car at the time of the crash after offering to drive them home.

After watching surveillance video, police ascertained Wilsey was driving and Lewis was the front seat passenger.

According to the professional conduct board report, Lewis testified Wilsey told police of the fictitious black man, but was contradicted by the testimony of the police.

Lewis later was found guilty of obstructing official business in Elyria Municipal Court. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with 80 days suspended, according to the report.

Lewis was involved with police again in September 2016, when he was driving while intoxicated in Brunswick, the report said.

Wilsey was in the car with him as he was arrested and charged with OVI, according to the report.

Wilsey was found dead Feb. 20 of a suspected opioid overdose, according to Lorain County Coroner Dr. Stephen Evans.

Lewis has sought and received treatment for his alcoholism and continues to attend alcoholics anonymous meetings, the report said.

According to the report, Lewis violated at least six professional rules of conduct between the two OVI incidents.

Phone calls to Lewis and his attorney, Kevin R. Marchaza, were not returned.

Lewis