Audit Findings: Robert Morehead

The new audit of the Columbiana County Board of Health by the Ohio auditor’s office covered 2004 and 2005. Three findings were issued for 2004. They show:

Robert Morehead, county health commissioner, used the district’s credit card to purchase books from Waldenbooks and Barnes Noble Booksellers, which were not purchased to benefit the health district. A finding was issued for $233.17.

Morehead used the district’s credit card to purchase miscellaneous items used for personal gain. He was ordered to repay $364.03 for gift items and clothing at the University Bookstore, Kent, and a cell phone face plate. No details were on the receipts.

Morehead received monthly reimbursements for mileage at 32 cents per mile. As defined in the health district’s travel policy, mileage reimbursement is considered to be total reimbursement for all vehicle-related expenses. A review of the district’s credit card expenses showed Morehead used the health district’s credit card to purchase $69.10 worth of gasoline and $15 for carwashes for his personal vehicle. He must repay a total of $84.10.

Here’s a recap of findings for recovery made against Morehead for 1996 through 2002, and an audit for 2003. The state auditor’s office said it was not immediately clear if the earlier findings had been completely paid for both audits.

1996-2002

Total findings against Morehead: $5,442.

$4,225 for credit card purchases that were not related to operations of the district and for cash advances on his county credit card.

$1,217 for charging gasoline on the district credit card and asking for reimbursement.

2003

Total findings against Morehead: $5,834.44

$716.61 for inappropriate purchases at Barnes & Noble purchases, such as books about football, paid for with health district funds.

$421.51 for overcompensation of mileage and automobile expenses paid for with health district funds.

$223.88 for unnecessarily traveling to a conference in Columbus a day early.

$949.62 for unsubstantiated, in-county meal expenses paid for with health district funds.

$2,220.41 for unsupported out-of-county hotel and meal expenses.

$1,302.41 for travel reimbursements and purchases made with the health district credit card that were not for official district business.

Source: Ohio auditor’s office