Former MYCAP director found guilty on two counts

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A jury returned a guilty verdict on two corruption charges against the former executive director of the Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership.

Richard Roller, 50, of Colonial Drive, Liberty, was convicted on felony charges of theft and grand theft Wednesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. The jury found him not guilty of having an improper influence on a public contract.

A fourth charge was dismissed Tuesday by a visiting judge after the conclusion of a brief trial that began Monday.

The charges were first filed in 2012. A sentencing date has not been set.

Roller was placed on unpaid administrative leave in April 2010, and the MYCAP board fired him in May 2010 in the wake of the Ohio Department of Development’s investigation into whether the nonprofit organization misappropriated funds and resources while he led it. He was indicted by a grand jury in October 2012.

The three felony counts lodged against Roller said he used his position to secure authorization of a public contract in which he or members of his family had a special interest; he deceptively deprived the state of property or services greater than $7,500; and he used his office to commit theft.

MYCAP administers programs ranging from the Home Weatherization Assistance Program to the Community Services Block Grant.

The case was prosecuted by special prosecutors with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.