Wadsworth councilman charged with two felonies

WADSWORTH — City Councilman Lee Potts faces two felony charges stemming from a February incident in which he allegedly entered a city residence without permission. Potts, 32, who represents Ward 3, was arrested Friday by Wadsworth police and charged with aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony, and burglary, a second-degree felony. Alyssa Biedron, 24, of Brunswick, also was arrested and charged with aggravated burglary, burglary and menacing. Both were taken to Medina County Jail and each has a bond set at $50,000. Medina County Common Pleas Judge Christopher Collier recused himself in the case; a visiting judge will preside over the case. The city of Wadsworth issued a statement shortly after news of the arrest was made public. "The City of Wadsworth Administration has learned of the indictment and arrest of Ward 3 Councilman Lee Potts. We are concerned about the criminal allegations lodged against Councilman Potts. However, we understand that the indictment is only the beginning of a legal process, a process that our country has steadfastly followed for more than 200 years," the statement read. "While the indictment is the beginning of a process, we acknowledge the seriousness of the felonies alleged and the rights of the victims as well as the accused and know that any further public comment on the matter is not appropriate until such time as the matter is resolved in a court and pursuant to law. "During the course of these proceedings, the city will ensure that the residents and businesses within Councilman Potts' ward and their collective interests remain represented in all pertinent municipal matters." Potts was appointed to his Council seat on Aug. 26, 2017, to replace retiring Councilman John Sharkey. He was elected to the position later in that same year. Potts is a practicing attorney in Wadsworth, and previously served as an assistant Medina County prosecutor until January 2017. Potts is running for reelection in November, facing off against Republican challenger Jeanne L. Hines. Wadsworth Police Chief Randall Reinke said months ago when discussing the Feb. 7 incident that Potts and Biedron went to a residence on Chestnut Street as they had permission to be there to pick up an item. "While they were there, they allegedly entered the residence without permission," Reinke previously said. Reinke said a tenant at the home in the 200 block filed the complaint. Potts initially was charged several weeks after the incident in March with criminal trespass and Biedron with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. A special prosecutor from the Medina Law Department dismissed those charges, but the case was then referred to Medina County Prosecutor Forrest Thompson, who then recused himself and requested a special prosecutor from the state Attorney General's Office. Findings were presented to a Medina County grand jury Wednesday with the jurors electing to indict Potts and Biedron, leading to arrest warrants being issued. Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at (330) 720-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.