Prosecutor wants Ashli Ford's trial focused on forgery, fraud allegations

Asks judge to bar testimony about podcaster's felony intimidation convictions

SANDUSKY — If the prosecutor gets his way, Ashli Ford won’t be called a convicted podcaster in front of the jury when she goes on trial next week on forgery and fraud charges.

Team Ford stands outside the Erie County Courthouse. Ford, center, stands next to her husband, Ezekiel Ford, left, and attorney Peter Pattakos, on her left. Also pictured is convicted felon Elsebeth Baumgartner, who was sent to prison 20 years ago for committing crimes similar to what Ashli Ford was accused of last year that led to her felony intimidation convictions. (Photo provided/Facebook post)

She’ll be referred to only as the defendant accused of forging her ex-husband’s signature on a federal grant application and mortgage loan documents in order to obtain a $30,000 COVID grant and a $120,000 loan in 2020.

At the time, Ford was divorced and already married and living with her new husband, Ezekiel Ford, in the home she previously shared with her ex-. Ezekiel Ford does not work or earn an income to help pay bills, according to prior court filings from Ford’s defense counsel.

Erie County Prosecutor Kevin Baxter filed a Motion in Limine (asking a court to set ground rules at the start of the trial) to prevent any discussion of Ashli Ford’s prior criminal charges and convictions during her upcoming trial.

State’s request

Prosecutor Kevin Baxter in court earlier this year. (Photo/Matt Westerhold)