Bellevue, Ohio — More information has emerged regarding Bellevue city councilman Joseph N. Burkhart’s arrest and criminal charges, which include strangulation, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance.
According to a press release issued Thursday by the Huron County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to an undisclosed location in Bellevue on September 19 after receiving reports of a “domestic-related incident” involving allegations of unlawful entry, physical assault, harassment, and threats. Deputies also found “suspected controlled substances and other related evidence” during the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies and Bellevue police eventually apprehended Burkart, 38, around 9 p.m. that same day at a Madden Street residence. According to the sheriff’s office, Burkhart attempted to flee the scene on foot and was seen disposing of suspected narcotics.
The sheriff’s office reported that Burkhart was apprehended after a brief chase. Law enforcement officers seized additional evidence.
Burkhart was booked into the Huron County Jail. The county prosecutor’s office has approved the following charges against Burkhart, which are the same as those for which he was booked Monday:
- Burglary (second-degree felony) $20,000 bond
- Strangulation (third-degree felony) $20,000 bond
- Menacing by Stalking (fourth-degree felony) $10,000 bond
- Tampering with Evidence (fifth-degree felony) $20,000 bond
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (fifth-degree felony) $5,000 bond
- Assault (first-degree misdemeanor) $1,000 bond
- Telecommunications Harassment (first-degree misdemeanor) $1,000 bond
WTOL 11 first reported on this story on Monday, but did not have any additional information from law enforcement beyond the charges against Burkhart.
The Huron County Sheriff’s Office said it took over the investigation after Bellevue’s police department requested it, citing a potential conflict of interest due to Burkhart’s position on the city council.
