Cleveland: Federal Judge Kate O'Malley nominated to higher court

CLEVELAND -- U.S. District Judge Kate O'Malley has had more than her share of headline-grabbing cases.

She's presently handling all the cases stemming from the federal corruption probe of Cuyahoga County government.

She crossed swords with Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason, ordering the release of convicted murder Joe D'Ambrosio because prosecutors withheld evidence.

But she may be moving up and out soon.

The White House has nominated her to a seat on the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington D.C.

She would handle cases involving government contracts, patents, trademarks, trade and Federal personnel issues.

Her husband, George Pappas, works in Washington as a patent lawyer.

She has a repuation as a thoughtful and hard-working judge.

On a personal note, she's been treated for early stage breast cancer.

O'Malley must be confirmed by the Senate. If she is confirmed, another judge would be assigned cases from her docket.

The move may take several months.