Property & Evidence Unit

The Property and Evidence Section of the Lorain County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) is responsible for securely receiving, storing, and maintaining property connected to criminal investigations, items held for safekeeping, and found property. All property is managed in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, applicable court orders, and LCSO policy.

Is the Sheriff’s Office holding my property?

When inquiring about property in the custody of the LCSO, please have the following information available to assist staff in locating your items:

  • Lorain County Sheriffs Office case number
  • Date of offense or incident
  • Description of the property
  • Name of the reporting deputy or investigator

Property Release Procedure

Property release is by appointment only, Monday through Friday.

To schedule an appointment, please call (440) 329-3801 to confirm eligibility and determine documentation requirements.

Before property can be released, you must provide:

  • A valid state-issued photo ID or passport
  • Any Summary Order, Court Order, or Writ of Replevin (if applicable)
  • A Power of Attorney (if you are retrieving property on behalf of another person)
  • A Notarized Letter of Authorization (if applicable)

No property will be released without proper authorization from the investigating deputy, detective, or the court of jurisdiction.

Certain items (e.g., firearms, narcotics, biohazards, or currency) may require special handling or additional clearance before release.

Retention and Disposal of Property

  • Safekeeping Property: Items held for safekeeping will be retained for six (6) months. After that time, unclaimed property may be disposed of pursuant to LCSO policy and Ohio Revised Code §2933.41.
  • Found Property: Found property will be held for ninety (90) days. After that period, unclaimed items may be lawfully disposed of in accordance with LCSO policy and Ohio Revised Code §2933.41-2933.43.

Once property is disposed of, it cannot be recovered.

Firearm Returns

Firearms seized as part of a criminal investigation, domestic violence case, or protection order will not be released without a Writ of Replevin or an explicit court order directing the Sheriff to return the firearm(s).

The owner is responsible for obtaining such an order from the court with jurisdiction. Firearm returns are subject to background checks and compliance with state and federal firearms laws.

Important Notice

  • The Property & Evidence staff cannot provide legal advice.
  • All inquiries regarding court orders, ownership disputes, or the Writ of Replevin process should be directed to your attorney or the court of jurisdiction.
  • Property not claimed within the designated time frames will be considered abandoned and disposed of according to law.

Legality Review Notes:

  • ORC §§2933.41-2933.43 authorize disposal of unclaimed or seized property after specific holding periods.
  • ORC §2981.11-298 l. l 3 govern property seized in connection with criminal offenses.
  • ORC §2737.01 et seq. governs the Writ of Replevin process.