MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A public official in Richland County found himself in legal trouble as he pleaded guilty to two felony counts in court on Monday. Matthew Wells, the chief of the Crestline Fire Department, faced consequences following an investigation launched by the Auditor of State’s office in response to a complaint.
The investigation was initiated after allegations surfaced that Wells was receiving payment from two public entities for the same hours worked.
It was revealed that Wells had claimed identical work hours for two agencies while being employed by the Ohio Department of Education, the Springfield Township Fire Department in Richland County, and the Pleasant Township Fire Department in Marion County.
During a hearing at the Richland County Common Pleas Court on Monday, Wells confessed to tampering with records and theft in office.
As part of a plea deal, he agreed to be banned from future employment in the public sector and was ordered to pay total restitution.
Additionally, Wells was required to cover over $26,000 in audit costs related to the case.
