LITHOPOLIS
State auditor officials are considering doing a second audit of the village of Lithopolis' books in light of allegations about the former fiscal officer's handling of tax dollars.
Village officials contacted the state Auditor's Office and Fairfield County prosecutor in July alleging Former Fiscal Officer Sandy Casey was engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
Casey, who was appointed to the position in January 2006, resigned July 23, said Mayor Eric Sandine.
Sandine declined to say what behavior led to the pattern of corrupt activity. Sandine declined to discuss any specifics of the allegations.
Many village residents learned of the allegations and Casey's resignation after receiving the latest copy of the Lithopolis Newsletter at their residences Tuesday.
Christina Goodwin was one of the residents who received the newsletter.
"I'm surprised, but then again, how many times have you heard of this happening?" Goodwin said.
"I mean, I'm surprised, but then, I'm not surprised."
Sandine said Casey chose to resign from her position as fiscal officer rather then face a hearing before the Lithopolis Village Council.
"The disciplinary process would have put her on administrative leave until the council would have had a hearing," Sandine said.
Casey could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Emily Frazee, deputy press secretary for the state Auditor's Office, said the office was working on an audit for the village when they received information about the allegation.
"We are at the end of the village's current audit and so now we will need to decide whether we want to wait and hold this audit or start a new audit narrowed down to this concern," Frazee said.
Fairfield County Prosecutor David Landefeld said his office will take the appropriate steps if an investigation is conducted.
The newsletter sent to residents alleges Casey admitted to the facts of the village's investigation during an administrative interview. It was signed by the mayor.
Mel Meloy, president of the Lithopolis Marketing Association, learned of the allegations this week.
Meloy said Casey once served as treasurer of the Lithopolis Marketing Association.
"She resigned from the position of treasurer in March, but then stayed on another month after that," Meloy said. "She didn't say why she resigned. I assumed it was because she was just overworked."
Sandine stated in the newsletter that information will continue to be released to the public as permitted regarding the incident.
He said the village won't suffer any financial loss because Casey had a position bond, or an insurance policy for people who work with money.
Sandine said fiscal officers carry a position bond in the case of any wrongdoing in office
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