Probe under way on possible ethics violations by Mahoning County officials, employees
Probe under way on possible ethics violations by Mahoning County officials, employees
YOUNGSTOWN — The Ohio Ethics Commission and the Mahoning County prosecutor’s and sheriff’s offices are investigating possible ethics violations by public officials and employees and those doing business with them.
David Freel, the commission’s executive director, confirmed the investigation and its purpose today, but he declined to be specific about the subject matter.
“Our investigative activity is confidential under Ohio law,” Freel said, adding that he can’t discuss details of any active investigation.
The probe concerns possible criminal violations of Ohio’s ethics law pertaining to conflict of interest, and County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains’ office is issuing the subpoenas in this case, Freel said.
When the commission completes an investigation, its findings are confidential and sent to the county prosecutor, he said. The prosecutor then has discretion to present felony charges to the county grand jury, or to file misdemeanor charges in municipal or county courts, and to make any disclosures of the findings, he explained.
For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.