Convicted felon can serve as Salineville councilman

LISBON -- Columbiana County Prosecutor Robert Herron says a man with a felony theft conviction can serve on Salineville Village Council.
David W. Berta was the top vote-getter in the November election in a field of five candidates for four council seats.
Berta was indicted in 1991 on a charge of theft of wire and later convicted of the felony.
Under Ohio law, felons can run for office but can't serve the term.
Herron said that Berta was actually sentenced to an alternative treatment program instead of prison time.
That means that he technically does not have a felony record and can serve in public office, according to the prosecutor.
Court records said that Berta honorably completed his probation in 1995.
Berta has asked the courts to seal his criminal record, which would also allow him to serve.