ONE-PAGE PUBLIC Dossier Can the Wrong Branch of Government Sentence People?

Why is Ohio holding a man based on a sentence imposed by someone who was not a judge?

Why is Ohio holding a man based on a sentence imposed by someone who was not a judge?

Core Facts, Timeline, Posture, Exhibits

January 23, 2023 — A sentencing proceeding occurred in State v. Stills, Lake County Common Pleas Court, Case No. 21CR000943.
→ See Exhibit B (Certified Transcript of Docket and Journal Entries)
April 6, 2023 — The Supreme Court of Ohio issued the judicial commission of Jeffrey W. Ruple.
→ See Exhibit C (Certified Commission of Jeffrey W. Ruple)
Therefore, on January 23, 2023, Jeffrey W. Ruple was not a commissioned judge.
→ Exhibits B & C
April 24, 2025 — In a later hearing in the same case, Ruple stated under oath:
“Unfortunately, I think my last chance was when you were sentenced the last time, so …”
→ See Exhibit D (Certified Transcript, April 24, 2025, p. 8, lines 22–24)
The certified docket shows the only prior sentencing in the case occurred on January 23, 2023.
→ See Exhibit B
January 27, 2023 — An entry was filed purporting to journalize that sentencing and impose community control.
→ See Exhibit B
April 28, 2025 — Ryan Stills was committed to ODRC custody based entirely on an alleged violation of that community-control order.
→ See Exhibit A (Commitment Entry) and Exhibit B
The certified docket lists the basis of imprisonment as:
“R.C. 2951.08 – Violation of Community Control”, which is not a criminal offense and is not supported by any new indictment.
→ See Exhibit B

Ohio Constitution Article II, Section 1 forbids an executive-branch official from exercising judicial power.
Sentencing is a core judicial act.
A judgment issued without authority is void, not voidable. (Patton v. Diemer, 35 Ohio St.3d 68.)

The Binary Question

Either Ryan Stills must be released, or Ohio must accept that a person who was not a judge can nevertheless sentence citizens.

There is no third option consistent with the Ohio Constitution.

Why This Matters

Habeas corpus exists to answer one question: “By what authority is this person held?”
If a sentence imposed by a non-judge can support imprisonment, then the boundary between law and force has collapsed.

Current Posture

A habeas corpus action is pending in the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Mr. Stills is neurologically impaired and cannot safely litigate without assistance.
The State has been asked to identify the lawful authority for his custody.

All statements above are supported by Exhibits A–D filed with the Court.

January 23, 2023
Sentencing proceeding occurs in Lake County Common Pleas Court.
→ Exhibit B
January 27, 2023
Entry filed purporting to journalize the January 23 sentencing and impose community control.
→ Exhibit B
April 6, 2023
Supreme Court of Ohio issues judicial commission of Jeffrey W. Ruple.
→ Exhibit C
April 24, 2025
Ruple states under oath:
“Unfortunately, I think my last chance was when you were sentenced the last time, so …”
→ Exhibit D (p. 8, lines 22–24)
April 15, 2025
Ryan Stills arrested for alleged violation of community control.
→ Exhibit B
April 28, 2025
Entry committing Ryan Stills to ODRC custody is filed.
→ Exhibit A and Exhibit B
2025–2026
Docket lists basis of imprisonment as:
“R.C. 2951.08 – Violation of Community Control” (not a criminal offense; no indictment).
→ Exhibit B
January 2026
Habeas corpus action filed in the Supreme Court of Ohio challenging the legality of custody.
→ Supreme Court docket

Core Facts, Timeline, Posture, Exhibits