The Lorain County prosecutor is facing criminal charges following an alleged romantic relationship with one of his employees that led to a 2023 settlement.
Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson is charged with tampering with evidence, intimidation and attempted bribery, according to the Elyria Municipal Court. Additionally, the prosecutor's chief of staff, James Burge, has been charged with intimidation and tampering with evidence.
A complaint filed by the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office details a year-long joint investigation by sheriff’s deputies, the FBI and the Ohio State Auditor’s Office. Part of the investigation focused on a former prosecutor’s office employee who also had a romantic relationship with Tomlinson.
In October 2023, Tomlinson's ex-girlfriend and employee received a $100,000 settlement. The felony complaint claims the settlement was “not done with any transparency.”
The complaint read that Tomlinson allegedly paid the settlement with $40,000 from the Prosecutor's salary budget and two requisitions for $40,000 and $20,000 from the Prosecutor's salary budget. Commissioners told News 5 the expense was framed as an “employment issue” at the time.
The settlement has since drawn a pair of lawsuits.
It was originally prompted when Tomlinson’s ex-girlfriend resigned from her position in August 2023 and filed a job discrimination complaint.
During the investigation into the EEOC complaint, the criminal charges allege Tomlinson and Burge both tried to convince the ex-girlfriend to sign false statements backtracking on her previous allegations. Court documents say the prosecutor contacted the woman “incessantly” and offered her up to $500 to go out to dinner with him.
Through her attorney, the ex-girlfriend in the case said she was not ready to issue any public statements.
Tomlinson told News 5 that he believes the recent charges are politically motivated.
The prosecutor, who is currently running for re-election, issued the following statement Wednesday:
"This is just another feeble attempt by Sheriff Stammitti, in conspiracy with my predecessor, Dennis Will, and my opponent, Tony Cillo, to bypass the democratic process and interfere with this election. Sheriff Stammitti created these political positions in the sheriff’s office for Mr. Cillo and Mr. Will specifically to achieve this goal, on the taxpayers dime. And they’ll continue until they’re stopped.”
Lorain County Commissioner Michelle Hung also issued a statement to News 5:
“Sadly, the fact is that Lorain County does not have a Prosecutor. Former Commissioner Lundy and I separately brought forth ongoing issues regarding Lorain County contracts and vendors and issues with misconduct by a particular employee, only to be brushed off by Tomlinson and members of his staff time after time. Tomlinson is blaming the Sheriff, his opponent, the former County Prosecutor....I told Tomlinson many times we needed a special prosecutor to look into the radio contract issues, among other topics. Tomlinson repeatedly refused the request by myself and others.”
Commissioner Dave Moore told News 5 over the phone that he believes the criminal charges are “bad for everyone” and paints Lorain County in an unflattering light.
Tomlinson and Burge are scheduled to be arraigned on charges in Elyria Municipal Court on Thursday morning.
