Former prosecutor says alcoholism played role in office conduct

The former Hocking County prosecutor said his behavior while in office — including allegations of sexual harassment and engaging in an affair with a county commissioner — was due in part to his mental health and alcoholism.

Ryan Black, 41, made the comments through his attorney in a written response to a disciplinary complaint filed against him with the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct. Black resigned effective last Friday.

Earlier this month, a formal complaint was filed against Black with the professional conduct board, which oversees discipline of attorneys in Ohio.

The complaint accused Black of:

■ Creating a hostile work environment and frequently using obscenity to the point of making staff members uncomfortable

■ Commenting on a female subordinate’s clothing in a sexual manner

■ Sending unsolicited images of himself shirtless to a female subordinate

■ Having a sexual relationship with a county commissioner, whom Black would be responsible for representing as the county’s prosecutor. That commissioner is currently suspended from her position for unrelated allegations of misconduct.

Black responded to the complaint through his attorney, Alvin Mathews. In the response, Black does not address several of the allegations, which are the subject of an ongoing federal civil lawsuit against him, alleging sexual discrimination.