J.D. earned his bachelor's degree in economics from Oberlin College and his law degree from Case Western Reserve University. He currently lives in Amherst Township.

J.D. previously worked at a law firm as a defense attorney, where he eventually became a sole practitioner.

The Morning Journal: New Lorain County Prosecutor JD Tomlinson eager to get to work

J.D. Tomlinson currently serves as the county prosecutor in Lorain County. He was first elected in 2020 and is in his first term.

Candidate website

As a defense attorney, he joined a small law firm in 2007 and became a sole practitioner in 2008.

As a criminal defense attorney, ensured defendants’ rights were not violated by the government over the course of an investigation or trial, gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses, provided advice and counsel on sentencing standards and possible plea deals, and represented defendants during pre-trial hearings, the trial, and any post-trial sentencing hearings.

As a county prosecutor, oversees civil and criminal prosecutions, works with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal and civil violations, and provides legal counsel and representation to state, county, and city officials in lawsuits against the government.

- As a criminal defense attorney, ensured defendants’ rights were not violated by the government over the course of an investigation or trial, gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses, provided advice and counsel on sentencing standards and possible plea deals, and represented defendants during pre-trial hearings, the trial, and any post-trial sentencing hearings.
- As a county prosecutor, oversees civil and criminal prosecutions, works with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal and civil violations, and provides legal counsel and representation to state, county, and city officials in lawsuits against the government.

Legal Experience

Conducted seven human trafficking investigations, including two targeting child victims.

Believes in strong collaboration with local police departments and human trafficking task forces to combat crime and human trafficking.

Believes in strong law enforcement efforts to combat crime, citing a personal initiative that resulted in 35 arrests.

As county prosecutor, assigned investigators to work with each of Lorain County’s 18 police agencies to improve communication and collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors.

As a prosecutor, successfully prosecuted a cold case involving the homicide of an infant, a case previously declined by the former prosecutor.

As sheriff, achieved a double-digit reduction in violent street crime across Lorain County’s largest cities.

Achieved a double-digit reduction in violent street crime across Lorain County’s largest cities.

As county attorney, secured over $500,000 in grants to enhance the criminal division and improve victim services, and is seeking an additional $160,000 to fund a prosecutor-led diversion program.

As a prosecutor, increased successful prosecutions of high-level felony offenses by 12% and felony sex offenses by 26%.

- Conducted seven human trafficking investigations, including two targeting child victims.
- Believes in strong collaboration with local police departments and human trafficking task forces to combat crime and human trafficking.
- Believes in strong law enforcement efforts to combat crime, citing a personal initiative that resulted in 35 arrests.
- As county prosecutor, assigned investigators to work with each of Lorain County’s 18 police agencies to improve communication and collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors.
- As a prosecutor, successfully prosecuted a cold case involving the homicide of an infant, a case previously declined by the former prosecutor.
- Achieved a double-digit reduction in violent street crime across Lorain County’s largest cities.
- As county attorney, secured over $500,000 in grants to enhance the criminal division and improve victim services, and is seeking an additional $160,000 to fund a prosecutor-led diversion program.
- As a prosecutor, increased successful prosecutions of high-level felony offenses by 12% and felony sex offenses by 26%.

Criminal Justice

Supports consumer protection and plans to continue the Fraud Protection Unit, which uncovers fraud schemes, particularly those targeting Lorain County citizens and seniors.

Believes in educating the public on avoiding fraud through phone and internet communications.

- Supports consumer protection and plans to continue the Fraud Protection Unit, which uncovers fraud schemes, particularly those targeting Lorain County citizens and seniors.
- Believes in educating the public on avoiding fraud through phone and internet communications.

Consumer Protection

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J.D. Tomlinson

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Tony is from Avon Lake, Ohio, where he still lives today. He holds a bachelor's degree in pre-law studies from Bowling Green State University and a law degree from Case Western Reserve School of Law. He is married to his wife, Debbie, with whom he has 1 son and 2 grandchildren. 

Tony currently works as the assistant director for the Lorain County Drug Task Force. He previously worked in various positions in the Lorain County Prosecutor's office, including assistant county prosecutor, courtroom prosecutor, lead trial counsel, and Chief of the Criminal and Major Felonies Divisions. 

Tony Cillo's campaign for Lorain County Prosecutor is his first run for public office.

As a prosecutor at the Lorain County Prosecutor’s office, Cillo reviewed the charges individuals were arrested for, determined which cases and charges would be tried in court, drafted and filed documents and warrants, prosecuted criminal charges on behalf of the government, and provided sentencing recommendations for convicted felons.

As a prosecutor, Cillo tried hundreds of cases, including over 50 trials involving murder, sexual assaults, public corruption, and complex financial crimes, thirteen of which were death penalty cases.

- As a prosecutor at the Lorain County Prosecutor’s office, Cillo reviewed the charges individuals were arrested for, determined which cases and charges would be tried in court, drafted and filed documents and warrants, prosecuted criminal charges on behalf of the government, and provided sentencing recommendations for convicted felons.
- As a prosecutor, Cillo tried hundreds of cases, including over 50 trials involving murder, sexual assaults, public corruption, and complex financial crimes, thirteen of which were death penalty cases.

Plans to work with police to combat drug trafficking. 

- Plans to work with police to combat drug trafficking. 

As of August 22, 2024, Tony Cillo’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Tony Cillo

- County Prosecutors are attorneys that handle criminal and civil legal action for the people in their county. The County Prosecutor can choose the cases they want to take.
- County Prosecutors can also represent the state if the state is being sued. 
- They also have the discretion of whether or not to bring charges against arrested people, whether or not to seek jail time, or whether or not to send individuals to pre-trial diversion programs. 
- The County Prosecutor advises cities, townships, boards, departments, and county officials on legal matters. 
- County Prosecutors are elected to terms of 4 years. There are no term limits for this office. 