A candidate for state representative has been charged with sexual battery and two counts of sexual imposition in a secret indictment.

John Johnson, 41, of Perry Township, is the Democratic candidate for the 50th District. His opponent is state Rep. John Hagan, R-Marlboro.

Johnson was indicted and arrested Thursday on charges that he engaged in sexual conduct with a minor female between Jan. 1 and July 1, Stark County Prosecutor John Ferrero said Monday.

Johnson was being held in Stark County Jail on $250,000 bond. If convicted of the felony sexual battery charge, he faces one to five years in prison.

``He denies all allegations and looks forward to going to trial,'' attorney Rick Pitinii said.

Republicans seized on Johnson's indictment, calling for him to be removed from next Tuesday's ballot.

``Few crimes are worse than a felony sex offense,'' Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett said. ``This man is entitled to his day in court, but someone indicted by a grand jury for such a heinous crime is not entitled to be considered for public office.''

The Ohio Democratic Party said it would support Johnson being removed from the ballot, something unlikely to happen so close to the election.

``We have done nothing to promote this man's candidacy,'' Ohio Democratic Party spokesman Randy Borntrager said. ``He is not on the sample ballot we send out telling people what our slate is.''

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/state/15891286.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_state

Too bad it wasn't a FEDERAL Dem....

Ohio hometown, anyone?

Quoted:
A candidate for state representative has been charged with sexual battery and two counts of sexual imposition in a secret indictment.

John Johnson, 41, of Perry Township, is the Democratic candidate for the 50th District. His opponent is state Rep. John Hagan, R-Marlboro.

Johnson was indicted and arrested Thursday on charges that he engaged in sexual conduct with a minor female between Jan. 1 and July 1, Stark County Prosecutor John Ferrero said Monday.

Johnson was being held in Stark County Jail on $250,000 bond. If convicted of the felony sexual battery charge, he faces one to five years in prison.

``He denies all allegations and looks forward to going to trial,'' attorney Rick Pitinii said.

Republicans seized on Johnson's indictment, calling for him to be removed from next Tuesday's ballot.

``Few crimes are worse than a felony sex offense,'' Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett said. ``This man is entitled to his day in court, but someone indicted by a grand jury for such a heinous crime is not entitled to be considered for public office.''

The Ohio Democratic Party said it would support Johnson being removed from the ballot, something unlikely to happen so close to the election.

``We have done nothing to promote this man's candidacy,'' Ohio Democratic Party spokesman Randy Borntrager said. ``He is not on the sample ballot we send out telling people what our slate is.''

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/state/15891286.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_state[

/quote]

So Randy denies Johnson is his?