COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A former subcontractor for the City of Columbus has raised concerns about the hiring practices of VEPO Metering, the company responsible for the city’s new water meter project. Eric Ford, who was hired by VEPO Metering despite having an open violent felony indictment, said he was never asked about his criminal record during the hiring process.
Ford, who called ABC6 On Your Side to report his safety concerns with the company, said he was hired eight months after being indicted for felonious assault, a second-degree violent felony. Ford maintained his innocence in the pending case. However, the charge carries a “presumption of prison time” if he’s found guilty.
After he was hired in May and issued a badge by the City of Columbus, Ford claimed he entered 50 to 60 homes as a trainee with VEPO Metering before quitting due to his own safety concerns…