Audit: Co. health commissioner Morehead owes more money

LISBON — Three months before his trial on theft-related charges, Columbiana County Health Commissioner Robert Morehead faces additional findings for recovery from a state audit.

He will not, however, face more criminal charges, an Ohio Auditor of State spokeswoman said.

The state auditor’s office today released an audit of the health department that said Morehead owes an additional $681.30.

The findings were all from 2004. The latest audit covered 2004 and 2005.

The findings are for purchases of books and miscellaneous items and paying for gas and a car wash not related to health department business. All the spending was on a health department credit card.

Morehead is scheduled to go on trial at 9 a.m. Aug. 12 in county common pleas court. He has been charged with one count of theft in office, one count of theft and five counts of forgery.

He faces up to 71‚Ñ2 years in prison if convicted. He is accused of improperly spending health department funds between 1994 and 1998.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.