Ex-Ohio schools chief relieved charges not sought

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s former superintendent of schools says he’s relieved by prosecutors’ decision not to pursue charges against him after a watchdog report that alleged wrongdoing.

Stan Heffner left office last month after the Ohio Inspector General released a report that found Heffner was on the payroll of a Texas-based testing firm when he lobbied state lawmakers last year on a bill that benefited the company.

The inspector general’s report also found that Heffner misused his state email and cellphone to communicate with the testing firm.

Heffner said today he never committed a crime and he’s pleased that prosecutors agreed with him.

Heffner, of suburban Columbus, says he’s enjoying retirement and deciding what comes next, but says it won’t involve education.