In a revelation that underscores a breach of public trust, the Delaware County Grand Jury has brought forth an indictment against Allison McClain, the former utility clerk for the Village of Ashley, who is now facing charges for the alleged embezzlement of over $70,000 in utility payments; the specifics of the indictment include a single felony count of theft in office and telecommunications fraud, alongside four counts of tampering with records.
The allegations surfaced after the village noted inconsistencies in their utility deposits, prompting a probe by the Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), according to an announcement on Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber, in the investigation, it was revealed through the SIU that McClain allegedly siphoned off the funds between August 2022 and May 2024, the SIU attorney has been tapped as special prosecutor by the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office, to handle the affairs stemming from this indictment.
The Special Investigations Unit, since its inception in 2019, has played an essential role in upholding the integrity of public service by aiding in the conviction of 154 individuals, leading to restitution surpassing $16 million, as per the details on the Ohio Auditor of State’s website, which also notes the receipt of hundreds of tips annually on suspected fraudulent activities, affirming its tenacity in combatting financial improprieties within government bodies; the public can pitch in by submitting anonymous tips online or through SIU’s fraud hotline at 866-FRAUD-OH (866-372-8364)…