Former Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel and his ex-wife Ilana are facing jail time for violating the terms of their 2020 divorce agreement. Both parties were found in contempt of court and sentenced to seven days behind bars, but the sentences can be avoided if certain conditions are met over the next four months.
The alleged violations include entering each other’s homes without permission, refusing to pay bills related to their three children, and failing to take a child to soccer practice. The court dismissed several other disputed items, including telephone time with the children and handling of their 529 college savings account.
To avoid jail, Josh Mandel must provide his ex-wife with regular updates on the 529 account, while Ilana Mandel must pay for a sports program for one of their children. She will also receive an amount from her ex-husband for another child’s medical expenses.
This situation is the latest development in a highly publicized divorce case that has garnered attention due to Mandel’s political prominence and his ex-wife’s ties to one of Cleveland’s wealthiest families. The case was originally filed under seal in a county far from their residence, raising concerns about secrecy and public accountability.
Legal challenges and court rulings have since resulted in the lifting of the seal, providing greater transparency into the case. Mandel, who has previously run for U.S. Senate unsuccessfully, is currently facing possible jail time for violating the divorce agreement.
