A Newton Falls Councilwoman has filed a lawsuit against other councilmembers and the mayor.

According to the filing, the lawsuit is an action under the Ohio Open Meetings Act (OMA).

Councilwoman At-Large Julie Stimpert filed the complaint against councilmembers Gideon Fetterolf, John Baryak, Tesa Spletzer and Christopher Granchie, Mayor Ken Kline and the Village of Newton Falls.

The filing alleges the defendants misled the public to enter executive session by telling the public they were discussing employment matters and pending litigation while actually privately discussing the discipline and conduct of a councilmember in direct violation of OMA.

It goes on to cite another "sham emergency meeting" on October 11 to consider whether to hire a special prosecutor to bring criminal charges against a member of the public.

The filing claims Stimpert has been recently bullied, confronted and intimidated her during private meetings because she is critical of other councilmembers' decisions.

According to court documents, the defendants insisted that criticisms from Stimpert would jeopardize their ability to pass a police levy.

Stimpert is seeking attorney fees, costs and expenses and declaratory judgment.

21 News spoke with councilman Baryak who said he could not comment and Mayor Kline who did not answer.

Former Councilman, Christopher Granchie commented and said he "supports [Stimpert] 100%" and hopes the community can win this battle.

"There's threats, there's bullying, it's being said they can do whatever they want. That's why I resigned," Granchie said.