The October hearing was held before visiting Judge Patrick Carroll.

“I realize that this case has taken on a life of its own because of its political charge,” Carroll said.

Tomlinson is accused of tampering with evidence, intimidation and attempted bribery.

Burge is accused of tampering with evidence and intimidation.

Former Franklin County Prosecutor Ronald O’Brien has been appointed special prosecutor for this case.

According to a twenty-two page report from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, the charges stem from allegations made by former employee Jennifer Battistelli.

According to the report, Battistelli began working at the prosecutor’s office in January 2021 and began dating Tomlinson that same spring.

Battistelli claimed Tomlinson became obsessed with her and called her a hundred times a day.

During the summer of 2023, Battistelli filed a formal complaint against Tomlinson and resigned.

She said Tomlinson and Burge attempted to make false statements in an effort to get her to withdraw her complaints.

During the hearing, Battistelli’s attorney requested a no-contact order for him and his client.

“The defendants have made numerous statements about me that are false. In fact, defamatory,” Lowder said.

Neither Tomlinson nor Barge pleaded guilty.

19 News reached out to Tomlinson and Burge for comment but did not receive a response.

Copyright 2024 WOIO. All rights reserved.