Ethics commission refers possible charges against Dann aide to prosecutor

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Anthony Gutierrez

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Ethics Commission has referred possible criminal charges against Anthony Gutierrez, a top administrator for former Attorney General Marc Dann.

The charges against Gutierrez were referred to Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien.

The referrals, some involving potential felony charges, have been made as part of a multiagency investigation spearheaded by Inspector General Thomas P. Charles that has been under way for the past seven months.

Charles said he could not comment about the investigation. However, he said he hoped it would be wrapped up soon, possibly before the end of the year.

The referrals allegedly relate, in part, to misuse of campaign money funneled to Gutierrez, a close friend from Youngstown and former roommate of the attorney general. Other allegations involved abuse of money from Dann’s nonprofit transition corporation formed after his election and before his taking office in January 2007, and possible improper use of state equipment to help Gutierrez’s Youngstown construction business, sources indicated.

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