ASHTABULA — Ward 3 Councilwoman Ericka Severino’s trip to court was short, but figuring out what happened might take weeks.
Severino’s jury trial was set for 9 a.m. Wednesday in Ashtabula Municipal Court before Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Kathleen Keough. Severino hired attorney William Bobulsky to represent her.
The courtroom was closed to the public except for potential jurors, who were dismissed at about 9:40 a.m.
“It’s a settlement in progress; we anticipate it will be resolved,” said Conneaut Law Director Lori Lamer, who is prosecuting the case.
Lamer would not disclose the details of the case, other than the charges are not dismissed and she will reveal the details when the case is resolved.
Severino is charged with obstruction of justice, a second-degree misdemeanor, and aggravated disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, stemming from a Sept. 6, 2008, incident on Bridge Street, court records show. Severino pleaded not guilty to both charges on Sept. 9, 2008.
“We’re reaching an agreement,” Severino said Wednesday. “All other questions should be directed to my attorney.”
Bobulsky could not be reached for comment.
Lamer said, “We believe it’s a good resolution for the community and for (Severino).”
Municipal Court Judge Albert Camplese excused himself from the case, as did City Solicitor Michael Franklin, who charged Severino with the crimes.
The Ohio Supreme Court assigned Keough to preside over the case.
The incident began when Ashtabula Patrolman Douglas Hollis responded to an altercation between two people in the 1100 block of Bridge Street, and Severino and two other people walked upon the scene, police reports show. According to court documents, Severino was “intoxicated in a public place in the presence of two or more people, and engaged in conduct likely to be considered offensive.”
The Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 26, filed a complaint against Severino for allegedly attempting to intimidate Hollis, but the complaint later was dismissed by the State Employment Relations Board, according to city officials.
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