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Athens Co. Prosecutor Requests Special Appointment For Sullivan Case
By: WOUB Staff Writer
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Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn is requesting a special prosecutor to assist a children's services agency in an investigation stemming from Athens County Commissioner Mark Sullivan's arrest Tuesday night.
Blackburn says the special prosecutor would be available to help Hocking County Children's services in case they would need legal advice or representation.
According to police reports, Sullivan's two minor children were at the Woodlane Drive home in Nelsonville when the alleged incident took place. Sullivan was arrested and charged with domestic violence after his adult niece claimed he head-butted her during an argument over parking in the driveway.
Sullivan plead not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday and was released on his own recognizance. He was ordered not to have any contact with his niece, Samantha Sullivan.
This is the second time Blackburn has requested a special prosecutor for a case relating to Sullivan. In August, a special prosecutor was assigned by the state to investigate allegations made by Sullivan's estranged wife that he was growing marijuana plants at his former residence. In July, Sullivan pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct after being accused of a crime of domestic violence.
Authorities said Sullivan hit his wife during an argument in March.