Ashville's chief of police receives tax -financed salary check, even though it has been convicted

Ashville, Ohio – Ashville's chief of police, Jeff George, continues to receive his salary while he has paid administrative leave, even though he is guilty of charges of unauthorized use of property. George, who earns more than 40 US dollars an hour, has been emitted from the village since July 2024, whereby the village takes care of interim chiefs in order to lead the police department in its absence.

The case was created on February 15, 2024, when George allegedly released a point from the property room of the Ashville Police Department – an object that was intended for the destruction according to an urban decision – and put it in his personal vehicle. After a complaint, the sheriff of Pickaway County Matthew Hafey hired an investigation on July 9th. George returned the article on June 25 after being confronted by the Ashville Village Council. First of all, George was charged with potential crimes for theft in office due to an offense for fourth degree for unauthorized use. The Madison County public prosecutor's office worked on the case after the prosecutor from Pickaway County withdrawn. Madison County's office did not return to why George had given the crime debt.

In January, George said guilty in court. It was exposed to $ 50 with a fine of $ 100 and rated $ 100 in court costs, which were also suspended. He avoided prison period – up to 30 days – and the probation that could have taken up to five years. Despite his conviction, George remains paid and pays by the residents because village officers were silent while he essentially receives a salary check financed by the taxpayer on vacation.

The Guardian contacted the Mayor of Ashville on Monday, but received no explanation. The village administrator Bert Cine referred all questions to the mayor, which agreed with his previous attitude that he did not monitor the police department. In an earlier interview, CLINE stated that according to George's legal proceedings, he was “expected” that the village council was taken, even though no updates about the decisions of the council were presented.

The lack of transparency questioned the residents of Ashville why a convicted police chief continues to collect a salary check, while the preliminary leadership fills the emptiness. George's case, which is now determined in court, is moving the focus on the next steps of the village when the community is waiting for an official answer.