Former city councilman back in jail

BELLEVUE — A former Bellevue city councilman, who lost his re-election last November and is currently facing 22 charges, is now back in jail for allegedly violating his bond conditions. Joseph N. Burkhart, 39, of the 200 block of Madden St., was arrested on a warrant by the Huron County Sheriff's Office after Huron County Common Pleas Court Judge James Conway revoked his bond. Court records do not clarify what bond conditions Burkhart allegedly violated. It also wasn't clear how long he will remain in the Huron County Jail. As of Tuesday afternoon, Burkhart remains in the Huron County Jail on no bond, with no upcoming court hearings scheduled, according to court records. Burkhart had a court hearing scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday. Background The investigation into Burkhart started on Sept. 19, 2025, after deputies responded to a "domestic-related incident in Bellevue," according to a news release from the Huron County Sheriff's Office. Bellevue police initially handled the incident but asked the sheriff's office to investigate "due to a potential conflict of interest" after learning Burkhart was an elected city official. The allegations against Burkhart included unlawful entry, assault, harassment and threats, the release states. At approximately 9 p.m. on Sept. 19, deputies and Bellevue police found Burkhart at a Madden Street residence. Burkhart allegedly tried to flee on foot and was allegedly seen discarding suspected narcotics, the release states. On Oct. 3, Burkhart was indicted by a Huron County grand jury on 22 felony and misdemeanor charges relating to the incident, including strangulation, aggravated burglary and drug trafficking. He entered not guilty pleas at an Oct. 23 arraignment.