Elyria Councilman Mark Jessie arrested, charged with soliciting prostitution

ELYRIA — Elyria Councilman Mark Jessie was arrested Thursday night on a charge of soliciting sex for money. Elyria police spokesman Capt. William Pelko confirmed Friday that Jessie had been arrested, charged with misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution and released on a summons to appear in court at a later date. He did not release any additional information about the arrest Friday afternoon. In a statement, Jessie said his actions were "incredibly foolish and selfish." "I want to make the sincerest apologies to my family, my Council colleagues, city employees and my constituents," he said. "I hope that this act of poor judgment will not define me in the future." Jessie, the incumbent Democratic 3rd Ward councilman, is running for re-election in November and faces a challenge from Republican candidate Maurice Corbin III. He has been on City Council for eight years. He said he does not plan to resign, as the voters will have a say in the election in five weeks. He is a married father of four and a grandfather. Jessie, 64, of Michigan Avenue, has no prior criminal record in Lorain County, save for three traffic tickets in Elyria Municipal Court between 1993 and 2016. Council President Vic Stewart, D-at large, said Jessie made a bad judgment call, but said this shouldn't be a reflection on his character. He said Jessie has been at the forefront of issues and campaigns, and he has dedicated himself to being a good Council person. "He's just been a stellar citizen and representative in all ways, Stewart said. "And he had a horrible lack of judgment." Stewart said Council members are standing behind Jessie. He also requested privacy on behalf of the family. Mayor Frank Whitfield declined to comment. Contact Laina Yost at lyost@chroniclet.com. Contact Dave O'Brien at daveobrien@chroniclet.com.