Former Chaney baseball coach charged with theft

YOUNGSTOWN — The Chaney High School Cowboys baseball team might have stolen a few bases en route to an 8-15 record last spring.

The team’s former coach stands accused of stealing much more, however.

Jason Savage, 27, of Massillon, who was the coach last season, was indicted July 1 by a Mahoning County grand jury on a felony theft charge. He is accused of taking school sports equipment and selling it.

“He was caught stealing equipment and other valuables from Chaney, and so not only was he terminated, but he was prosecuted,” said Anthony Catale, school board president.

In late May, the school’s principal reported to city police many thefts during the previous several months from the school’s locked storage room in the gym. There were no signs of forced entry, according to a police report, indicating that “whoever is taking the equipment has keys.”

Some of the items were seen at Play It Again Sports in Boardman, police said.

An arrest report says that during a June 1 taped interview with police, Savage acknowledged taking the property from the school and selling it. The value of what was taken exceeded $8,000.

If convicted of the fourth-degree felony charge, the maximum penalty Savage could face is 18 months in prison.

For the complete story, see Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com