Maintenance supervisor enters guilty plea; worker sentenced

TROY, Ohio (WDTN) - Two former Miami County maintenance employees who were accused of stealing, appeared in court Tuesday.

Five workers were suspended in May when the sheriff's office opened an investigation into allegations they stole while on the job.

Clark County Prosecutor Andy Wilson served as the prosecutor in both cases.

Wilson described the investigation into the Miami County Maintenance Department as a "culture of corruption."

The now former maintenance supervisor, Jarod Harrah, 39, was identified by officials in court Tuesday as the major suspect in the corruption.

Harrah entered a guilty plea to three 3rd degree felony counts including theft in office, tampering with evidence and tampering with records. 

Harrah could serve up to three years in prison and have to pay a $10,000 fine.  The prosecutor requested the counts be served concurrently.

Also under the agreement, Harrah will never be allowed to serve in public office again and will have to pay more than $1,000 in restitution.

Harrah turned down an interview request with 2 NEWS following the plea agreement. 

Harrah is set to be sentenced on October 22, however, according to the judge, it will most likely be rescheduled due to an anticipated scheduling conflict.

Former Miami Co. maintenance employee Bruce Ball, 61, was sentenced in court Tuesday for his involvement.  

Ball was sentenced to 60 months of community control, including five days working in the Miami County Jail, and is ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

Prosecutors identified Ball as a "minor player" in the investigation.

Ball apologized to the court for his actions, but maintained he had no knowledge of major theft.

"It was my understanding that we could borrow and bring back the equipment," said Ball.  "If we broke the equipment, we replaced the equipment.  I was still planning to bring back the equipment.  I had before."

The three others also named in this investigation along with Ball and Harrah still have not been charged.

Prosecutors said the investigation is on-going and more charges are likely.