BELLEVUE, Ohio — A Bellevue City Council member who chairs the Public Safety Committee is facing more than 20 criminal charges while running for re-election.
Joseph Burkhart, 38, a Republican at-large councilman, was indicted on 22 counts following his arrest in connection with a Sept. 19 incident at a residence on Sinclair Street, according to court records and local reports.
The indictment includes charges of assault, strangulation, menacing by stalking, burglary, telecommunications harassment, tampering with evidence, and possession of a controlled substance, among others. Authorities say deputies responding to a domestic disturbance found evidence of forced entry and suspected narcotics.
Burkhart was booked at the Huron County Jail, and his bond was set at $77,000. His arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 21.
On the same day as his arrest, Burkhart posted on his Facebook page, writing, “Real truth bout to come out.” Later that same day, he added, “Videos and pics to come. I’m no thief.”
Despite the felony charges, Burkhart remains on the November general election ballot, where he is seeking another term as one of Bellevue’s at-large council members. The race features four candidates vying for three seats — Burkhart, Adam Morrison, and Kendall C. Shepherd, all Republicans, and Charles Daniel, who is running as a nonpartisan candidate.
Court documents and police reports detailing the investigation have been made public, but city officials have not commented on whether Burkhart will continue to serve as chair of the Public Safety Committee while the case is pending.
UPDATE: Burkhart has lost re-election, according to unofficial election results.
