Assistant Prosecutor Fired After Juror Contact
Mahoning County prosecutor Lynn Maro terminated Anissa Modarelli following revelations of improper meetings with a juror.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro fired assistant prosecutor Anissa Modarelli after Modarelli admitted to having lunch with a juror during a murder trial. The contact occurred on three out of five trial days, prompting Judge John Durkin to dismiss the juror.
Why it matters
The termination was issued to uphold public confidence in the judicial process following allegations of impropriety. Maintaining a fair trial environment is essential for the legal system to function in Youngstown and beyond.
Anissa Modarelli admitted to meeting with a juror twice at public restaurants and once in the prosecutor's office. Following her dismissal, Judge John Durkin replaced the juror with an alternate to allow the murder trial of Darius Smith to proceed.
The players
Lynn Maro
Lynn Maro serves as the Mahoning County Prosecutor.
Anissa Modarelli
Anissa Modarelli is a former assistant prosecutor who served in the Mahoning County Juvenile Court for 20 years.
John Durkin
John Durkin is the judge presiding over the murder trial in Youngstown.
Darius Smith
Darius Smith is the defendant in a murder trial facing 18 years to life in prison.
Ty'Ron Perry Jr.
Ty'Ron Perry Jr. was a 16-year-old shooting victim whose death is the subject of the trial.
The details
The misconduct was discovered while the jury was deliberating in the murder trial of Darius Smith, who faces 18 years to life for the shooting death of 16-year-old Ty'Ron Perry Jr. Modarelli, who previously served 20 years in the Mahoning County Juvenile Court, was fired the same afternoon she admitted to the lunches during a hearing.
Timeline
May 27: Ty'Ron Perry Jr. was shot and killed on Dewey Avenue.
October 2026: Anissa Modarelli was fired by the Mahoning County Prosecutor's office.
Legal Context
The firing highlights the strict enforcement of jury sequestration protocols intended to preserve trial integrity. This incident follows a pattern where legal authorities take swift action to prevent claims of judicial bias or jury tampering.
The dismissal of a juror and the termination of a prosecutor can extend the duration of court proceedings and impact the allocation of local legal resources. Residents may see increased scrutiny regarding jury instructions and courtroom conduct during high-profile murder trials in Mahoning County.
The takeaway
Legal professionals must maintain professional boundaries with jurors to ensure a fair trial for all defendants. The swift termination of the prosecutor underscores the high standard of conduct required to prevent mistrials and maintain public trust.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salemnews.
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