If you are searching for Lorain County mugshots (including Lorain, Elyria, and North Ridgeville), you have likely ended up on BustedNewspaper.
It is one of the most active sites in Northeast Ohio because it scrapes booking photos from the Lorain County Jail daily.
But here is the critical warning: Busted Newspaper is an automated “scraper” site. It posts photos instantly but often fails to update the status.
This means you might see a mugshot of a friend who bonded out days ago, or charges that have already been dropped. To get the truth, you need to use the “Official Source Strategy” below.
Step 1: How to Search “Busted Newspaper Lorain Ohio” Correctly
Busted Newspaper is messy and full of ads. If you just scroll the main feed, you will see a confusing mix of arrests from Cleveland, Akron, and Elyria.
The “Booking Date” Trick:
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Filter by County: Ensure you are on the Lorain County section, not Cuyahoga or Medina.
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Check the Timestamp: Look closely at the “Booking Date” under the photo.
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The 24-Hour Rule: If the date is older than 24 hours, STOP. Do not assume they are still sitting in the jail on Murray Ridge Road. Most people bond out within a day. You must use the official links in Step 2 to verify.
Step 2: The “Truth Check” (Official Verification)
This is the most important step. You have seen the photo; now you need the facts. You must check the official government database to see if they are actually in custody.
The Gold Standard: Lorain County Sheriff App/Site
The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) maintains the only 100% accurate list.
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Go to the Official Site: Visit the Lorain County Sheriff’s Website.
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Pro Tip: They also have a mobile app (search “Lorain County Sheriff” in the App Store) which is often faster than the website.
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Locate “Inmate Information”: Look for the “Corrections” or “Inmate Search” tab.
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Analyze the Status:
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If they appear: They are officially In Custody. You can see their exact bond amount and next court date.
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If they do NOT appear: They have been released, even if Busted Newspaper still shows the photo.
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Step 3: Official 2026 Resource Directory
If you need to post bail, drop off money, or visit an inmate, do not contact Busted Newspaper. They cannot help you.
Here are the verified 2026 contacts for Lorain County.
Lorain County Jail (Corrections)
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Who is here? Arrests from Lorain PD, Elyria PD, Avon Lake, and Sheriff’s Deputies.
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Address: 9896 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035
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Jail Phone: (440) 329-3709
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Visitation: Lorain County uses Video Visitation (via ICSolutions). You must register online at The Visitor to schedule a visit. Walk-ins are generally not accepted without an appointment.
Lorain County Clerk of Courts (Felonies)
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Use this for: Checking court dates for serious felony charges (Common Pleas Court).
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Address: 225 Court Street, Elyria, OH 44035
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Phone: (440) 329-5511 (Records Division)
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Website: Lorain County Court Docket
Lorain Municipal Court (Misdemeanors)
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Use this for: Traffic tickets and minor crimes that happened inside the City of Lorain.
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Address: 200 W. Erie Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052
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Phone: (440) 204-2140
💡 Practical FAQ: What You Need to Know
1. Can I pay bail online in Lorain County?
It depends on the court, but for the County Jail, you typically must go to the Jail Lobby (9896 Murray Ridge Rd) or the specific Clerk of Courts office that issued the warrant.
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Cash Bond: You pay the full amount (you get most back if they show up).
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Surety Bond: You hire a bail bondsman (you pay them ~10% fee, which you do not get back).
2. How do I remove my mugshot from Busted Newspaper?
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The Law: Ohio law generally considers mugshots public record.
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The Solution: If your record was Sealed or Expunged, you have leverage.
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Get a certified copy of your “Sealing Order” from the Clerk of Courts (225 Court St).
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Use the “Contact” link at the bottom of the Busted Newspaper website.
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Upload the document. They are much more likely to remove it if you provide legal proof that the record is sealed.
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3. Why does the bond say “Holder”?
If you see “Holder” listed under the bond section, it means another city or county wants them (e.g., they were arrested in Lorain but have a warrant in Cleveland/Cuyahoga). They cannot be released until the other agency picks them up, even if you pay the local bond.