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

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.

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

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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

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

Under Ohio law, individuals may contribute up to $650 in a campaign for common pleas judge.

Has nearly two decades of experience as a trial lawyer.

Has nearly two decades of experience as a trial defense lawyer.

Believes in strong human trafficking prosecution, saying "In May 2023, we prosecuted the largest human trafficking case in Lorain County history, resulting in a 199-year-to-life sentence for trafficker Stephen Gilbert."

Promises to make "justice and community safety...my top priority." if elected.

Believes in reducing crime and enhancing prosecution.

Said, "As your Lorain County Prosecutor, justice and community safety will always be my top priority."

J.D. Tomlinson lives in Amherst Township and graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in economics. He grew up with his mom, Marie, dad, Daniel, brother, Travis, and sister, Kelly.

J.D. Tomlinson is currently the Lorain County Prosecutor. He previously worked as a defense attorney at a small law firm and later became a sole practitioner.

J.D. Tomlinson has been the Lorain County Prosecutor since January 2021.

- 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. 