CLEVELAND -- Just before noon Wednesday, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Patricia Cosgrove sentenced former Judge Cuyahoga County Judge Lance Mason to two years in prison.
Mason, 47, had pleaded guilty at his Aug. 13 pre-trial hearing to one count of attempted felonious assault and one count of domestic violence.
He was initially charged with two counts of kidnapping, three counts of felonious assault, one count of domestic violence and two counts of endangering children.
The other charges were dropped.
Court documents reflect that, on Aug. 2, 2014, while driving through Shaker Heights, Mason hit his wife with his fists 20 times, slammed her head against the dashboard and bit her.
In a 911 call, his wife told dispatchers he threw her out of the car, beat her and then drove off with the children.
After the sentencing, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Tim McGinty released the following statement: "This conviction is not cause for celebration. It's a sad day. He was a good judge and a friend, but he owes society this time. I am confident he will leave prison rehabilitated and will again be an asset to our community."
