Ex-parks chief gets 5 years' probation

The former official admitted he signed off on false time sheets.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- A former city parks chief was sentenced Monday to five years' probation, along with an agency employee who was paid more than 50,000 for part-time work she never performed.
Wayne Roberts pleaded guilty last summer to complicity to commit theft in office and tampering with records, admitting that he signed off on false time sheets submitted by Krystal Griffin. She pleaded guilty to theft in office and tampering with records. Both apologized in separate appearances Monday before Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook.
In addition to the probation, Holbrook ordered Griffin to serve 200 hours of community service and spend each Christmas Day in jail for the next five years. Roberts was ordered to perform 500 hours of community service and spend Christmases and the Fourth of July in jail for five years.
"I take full responsibility. I knew it was wrong and I did it," said Griffin, 41.
Roberts, 55, said he felt deeply embarrassed.
"I have been in a prison -- I have imprisoned myself because of my actions," he said. "I am not here to ask for mercy. I'm here to say I am very sorry."
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Several current and former city officials wrote the judge on behalf of the pair, who could have received up to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors wanted them jailed at least 60 days.
The two were ordered to pay more than 75,000 in restitution, representing what Griffin was paid in wages, benefits and travel going back to the start of 2002, as well as police costs.
Investigators had said when they monitored Griffin for a month last summer, they never saw her working for the city, though she was receiving paychecks.