Morehead trial postponed

July 23, 2008 at 5:24p.m.

LISBON — Columbiana County Health Commissioner Robert Morehead is now scheduled to go on trial on Dec. 9.

Morehead has been indicted on one count of theft in office, one count of theft and five counts of forgery. If convicted, he could face 71/2 years in prison.

Morehead had been scheduled to go on trial next month in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court, but his lawyer asked for more time to prepare.

State audits of the health department showed Morehead had spent thousands of dollars on books, meals and other items. He has repaid most of the state’s findings. The audits stemmed from a Vindicator series on the county’s spending on travel.