AP: Top aide to Ohio lieutenant governor resigns

COLUMBUS (AP) — A top aide to Ohio’s lieutenant governor has resigned after irregularities were found in her timesheets, a spokesman for the office said today.

Laura Johnson, chief of staff to Republican Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, stepped down Thursday at Taylor’s request, said Taylor’s spokesman Chris Brock. Johnson’s administrative assistant also resigned Wednesday.

Records indicate their working hours and parking records do not match, according to Taylor’s office. There were days when both women reported work hours either before entering or after leaving the garage.

Taylor’s office became aware of Johnson’s timesheet irregularities several weeks ago while responding to a public records request made in April by the Democratic-leaning blog Plunderbund, Brock said. The blog asked for payroll records, timesheets and parking logs for Johnson and the assistant.

The matter has been referred to the Ohio inspector general and state highway patrol to review.