State sues ex-health commissioner for $9K
LISBON
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office this week filed a lawsuit to recover $9,153 in public money illegally spent by former Columbiana County Health Commissioner Robert Morehead.
Morehead was sentenced to 60 days in jail in early 2009 for a theft-in-office charge and to make restitution for money misspent.
He originally was charged with the theft in office plus one count of theft and five counts of forgery and faced a maximum of 7 1/2 years in prison if convicted. The other charges were dropped in a plea bargain.
The probe into his spending was started by a Vindicator review of travel by county officials.
State auditors issued findings for recovery that stated that he improperly used a government-issued credit card as well as made other questionable purchases, including books, golf accessories and Christmas gifts.
The audit showed he owed the county health district $5,053 for fiscal year 2003 and $5,442 for the years 1996 through 2002.
According to records at the Ohio Auditor’s Office, Morehead repaid some of the findings against him but still owes the $9,153.
He could not be reached to comment.