Law director says Natale can keep his job - for now

WARREN —Law Director Greg Hicks says Anthony J. Natale, the city’s auditor, can remain in office while his criminal case works its way through the federal courts.

Natale, 37, of Genessee Avenue Northeast, was indicted last week on one count of conveying false information related to the use of a weapon of mass destruction. He was arraigned in Youngstown federal court and released.

Natale is accused of sending an envelope containing white powder to his former employer, American Business Center, 7677 South Ave., Boardman, Nov. 10, 2014, after being terminated from the job.

The powder fell out of the envelope onto an employee, causing panic that the powder might be a toxin, such as anthrax, and leading to an evacuation.

Ohio law says a person convicted of a felony of fraud, theft or deceit cannot hold office. However, until such time as Natale would be convicted, there is no such prohibition, Hicks said.