Lawyerly Lairs: A Federal Judge's Mansion, On The Market For $8 Million

This magnificent home was the scene of a terrible crime.

onNovember 14, 2016 at 7:24 PMNovember 14, 2016 at 5:40 PM

Almost one year ago, Judge Susan Dlott (S.D. Ohio) and her husband, formerly high-flying (but now disbarred) plaintiffs’ lawyer Stan Chesley, were the victims of a terrifying home invasion. Testifying at the sentencing of the three armed robbers, Judge Dlott described the event as “the most horrible and frightening experience of my life.” She had to flee through the woods to a neighbor’s house — in 30-degree weather, wearing a nightgown and no shoes — to call 911.

Now Judge Dlott and Stan Chesley have put their mansion on the market, asking just under $8 million. One can hardly blame them for wanting to move out of a house that might harbor dark memories for them, but prospective buyers should not be deterred by the home’s past. Lightning rarely strikes the same place twice, and the three perpetrators of the home invasion each got sentenced to 34 years in prison.

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Stan Chesley and his wife, Judge Susan Dlott

Another possible reason for putting the house up for sale? Stan Chesley might be looking for liquidity. In June, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled against Chesley in ongoing litigation brought by former clients who claim that he and other lawyers owe them millions in fen-phen settlement money that they failed to disburse.

But the robbery and Chesley’s legal woes aren’t the reason they’re moving out, at least not according to Her Honor. Judge Dlott told the Cincinnati Business Courier that they’re just ready to downsize.

And one can hardly blame them for that either. Their magnificent manse boasts more than 21,000 square feet, which is a bit much for two people. Furthermore, Judge Dlott is 67, Stan Chelsey is 80, and they probably don’t want to spend their golden years maintaining a gigantic residence.