A Lorain County official is facing a criminal charge following a complaint filed with the Elyria Police Department earlier this year.
According to court records and police documents, Michael D. Doran, the elected Lorain County Recorder, has been charged with one count of sexual imposition, a third-degree misdemeanor under Ohio Revised Code 2907.06. The charge stems from an incident reported to police on May 16, 2025, involving an alleged encounter that occurred on April 25 at a residence in Elyria.
The reporting individual told police that Doran made multiple sexual advances during the encounter and that she asked him to stop several times. According to the police narrative, Doran reportedly stopped momentarily before continuing with additional advances. The woman later informed officers that she was willing to sign applicable criminal charges.
Elyria Police assigned the case to Detective Steven Robinson, who attempted to contact Doran for an interview. Initially, Doran said he would consult with someone before participating in an interview. Days later, an attorney from Ortner Law contacted police on his behalf but did not follow up. In a later text exchange, Doran told the detective he would not provide a statement based on legal advice.
The case was reviewed by a special prosecutor, John Reulbach, following a request submitted by Elyria Law Director Amanda Deery. On July 7, 2025, Reulbach directed police to file a criminal charge of sexual imposition.
A warrant was issued that same day. The case, filed under docket number 2025CRB02219, is being handled in Elyria Municipal Court. Doran is represented by attorney Justin Mackin. As of July 11, court records show that no plea has been entered and no future hearings have been scheduled.
Sexual imposition is defined in Ohio law as having sexual contact with another person when the offender knows the contact is offensive or acts recklessly in that regard. The charge is classified as a misdemeanor of the third degree.
When asked for comment, Doran told Lorain Daily “I’m still trying to figure what all this is about, I have to talk to my attorney to see what’s happening.”
The case remains pending in municipal court.