Ohio staff suspended over fake-license allegation

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio has suspended six wildlife officials, including two top administrators, pending the outcome of criminal charges over an allegedly falsified hunting license.

Department of Natural Resources spokesman Mike Shelton says the six were placed on paid leave today until the criminal charges in Brown County have been resolved.

The six were indicted after the state watchdog said a wildlife officer illegally let a South Carolina wildlife official use his home address in 2006 to receive a $19 Ohio license, saving $106.

An investigation says Ohio wildlife officials mishandled the matter.

Among officials facing counts of obstructing justice and complicity are wildlife division chief Dave Graham and assistant chief Randy Miller. Both have pleaded not guilty.