Over the last 32 years Judge Croce has served the residents Summit County in various capacities. As a practicing attorney since 1994 she has held positions which have allowed her to gain valuable legal experience in the criminal justice system, civil litigation, and victim advocacy. Working in the City of Akron Law Department and as an Assistant Summit County Prosecutor, Judge Croce prosecuted hundreds of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases in which she gained valuable courtroom and trial experience. As police legal advisor, legal counsel and executive director for the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Judge Croce broadened her knowledge and skills in legislative, budgeting and personnel management.
As Barberton Municipal Court Clerk, she dealt with legal issues regarding thousands of cases filed in the Court, moved toward modernizing the Clerk’s office, and was responsible for the oversight of thousands of public dollars collected through fines and costs. As a Municipal Judge in Barberton Municipal Court, Judge Croce presided over hundreds of traffic and misdemeanor cases.
Now as one of your Summit County Common Pleas General Division Judges for the past 12 years, Judge Croce has presided over thousands of adult felony cases ranging from low level drug possession charges, crimes of violence including murder as well as a death penalty case. Judge Croce presided over one of the most notorious death penalty cases in Summit County’s history, State of Ohio v. Stanley Ford. In this case the Defendant was convicted of killing 9 individuals including 5 children by setting fire to their homes. While he did not receive the death penalty after a jury verdict recommended life in prison without the possibility of parole, Judge Croce sentenced the Defendant to 9 consecutive life sentences insuring he will remain in prison and therefore keeping our community safe.
Judge Croce conducts herself in a professional and unbiased manner while treating others with respect and maintaining the proper judicial temperament to hold this office.
Judge Croce is active in our community serving as a Fellow and Board Member of the Akron Bar Association, Member of the Women’s Board for Summit County Catholic Charities, Magic City Kiwanis, Sons of Italy Lodge #685, Akron Crime Clinic and FOPA #6.
Board member and Fellow – Akron Bar Assocation
Member – Ohio Bar Association
Member- Akron Crime Clinic
Member and Former Trustee – Fraternal Order of Police Associates #6
Member – Magic City Kiwanis
Member – Sons of Italy Lodge #685
Member Women’s Board, Summit County Catholic Charities
Secretary/Treasurer – Summit County Crimestoppers
Advisory Board – Grandparents Against Sexual Predators
Outstanding Service Award – Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers
