Columbus – The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost in response to yesterday’s sentencing of Ann Johns, former Defiance County Deputy Clerk of Common Pleas Court:

"Judge Barber has done justice in this matter and sent a strong message to other public servants who would betray their oath," said Auditor Yost.  "Too often, public offenders are treated gently and placed on probation.  But a crime against the public trust is a serious crime, with many victims.  This time, the punishment fit the crime."

Judge James E. Barber sentenced Johns to 24 months in prison for Theft in Office, a felony of the third degree.  An audit released in September found that Johns stole $13,603 between January 2009 and June 2011.  She was ordered to pay the full amount as restitution and also was ordered to re-pay $16,847 for the costs of the special audit.

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,600 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

Contact:
Carrie Bartunek
Press Secretary
614-644-1111