Holman Named "Prosecutor of the Year" by Fellow Prosecutors

Dean Holman, Medina County Prosecutor, has been selected “2011 Prosecutor of the Year,” by the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association.

Holman was selected for the award by the OPAA’s Awards Committee, based on nomination. He was among the state’s 88 county prosecutors who were eligible for the award. He was notified by phone of his selection.

“It is gratifying to be recognized by my peers,” Holman said. “It is an honor to lead the Medina County Prosecutor’s Office. I am only as good as my staff. This award reflects well on their hard work and dedication.” He oversees 15 assistant prosecutors and 12 support staff, who work in the Criminal, Juvenile, Civil and Child Support divisions.

Although Holman is the County Prosecutor, he remains first and foremost a trial lawyer.

In 2011, he tried the Aggravated Murder case of Dennis Auerswald, secured a conviction and a sentence of 30 years to life. He also has handled other violent felonies, including Attempted Murder, Felonious Assault and Rape cases.

Other notable cases include the trials and convictions of Steven Bozsik, Aggravated Murder; Lynn Curtis, Rape; Steven Latham, Felonious Assault on Police Officers; Michael Drippon, Murder; and Shaun Cleland, Aggravated Murder.

Holman said his most interesting trial was the case of the State of Ohio vs. Alton Cromartie, in 2006. The defendant was charged with Felonious Assault, along with numerous other violent charges.

“Cromartie was one of the most dangerous, intelligent and diabolical defendants I have seen,” Holman said. The defendant was sentenced to 19 years in prison in November, 2006.

Holman was elected Medina County Prosecuting Attorney in 1988 and re-elected to that position again in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. Prosecutor Holman received his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Akron.

Holman was an assistant Medina County Prosecutor from 1981 to 1984, when he argued the case of the State of Ohio vs. Teresa Bickerstaff before the Ohio Supreme Court. He was the chief assistant prosecutor in Huron County from 1985 to 1986. He maintained a private law practice in Brunswick from 1985 to 1997.

He is a member and board member of the Brunswick Optimist Club, past member of the Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, past member of the Board of Directors of the Brunswick Salvation Army and of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Baseball Foundation.

He is a member of the OPAA executive committee and also has served as president, secretary and treasurer of the organization.

Holman will be recognized and receive his award at OPAA’s annual dinner in Columbus December 1.

For more information contact:
Scott Salisbury
330-723-9543