DEFIANCE, OHIO ASST. PROSECUTOR RUSSELL HERMAN WAS ISSUED A PROTECTION ORDER, BY A PAULDING COUNTY, OHIO JUDGE.

Paulding, Ohio (Northwest, Ohio) 45879

Russell Herman, a Defiance County, Ohio Assistant Prosecutor was issued a Protection Order at the request of his ex-wife, Deborah Herman, in Paulding County, Ohio. The couple recently divorced. Deborah Herman recently purchased a new home for herself and the couple’s children, on January 28, 2010.  

This record was posted in the court records section of the Paulding County Progress on February 12, 2010. The posting states “Deborah Herman v Russell Herman civil”. In 2008, Russell Herman ran for election for the office of the Paulding County Prosecutor. Herman lost to Joseph Burkard by the narrow margin of just 16 votes 4,572 Burkard to 4,556 Herman. After loosing the election, Herman returned to his position as an Assistant Prosecutor in the adjacent county of Defiance County, Ohio.

Defiance Prosecutor Morris Murray continues to allow Herman to act in his official capacity. Paulding Prosecutor Joseph Burkard and Defiance Prosecutor Murray have not requested an investigation by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or any other state agency.  A state investigation is necessary to maintain the integrity of an investigation and insure there are no conflicts of interest by local officials.  Both the Paulding and Defiance Prosecutors have legal and ethical obligations to have Russell Herman investigated to ensure the public’s trust in the office of the county prosecutor. Prosecutors are bound to aggressively prosecute offenders for domestic violence. Being an officer of the court, Herman is obligated to a higher standard especially in a domestic violence situation between spouses.  To date, there have been no investigations requested or conducted by any state agency and officials.  The appearance of a cover up by local prosecutors and law enforcement officers is apparently the reason why neither prosecutors in Paulding and Defiance County have failed to request a state investigation of Russell Herman.

Ohio Attorney Generals Office 800-282-0515

Paulding Prosecutor Joseph Burkard          

419-399-8270

Defiance Prosecutor Morris Murray

419-782-2402