Columbus – The amount of illegally spent tax dollars continues to add up at the Village of Martinsville (Clinton County), where state auditors previously found family members ran the village and used its funds for personal expenses. 

An audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost issued $7,380 in findings for recovery against former village officials and employees for misspending tax dollars on items including fuel, clothing, food and auto supplies. The audit covered the period Jan. 1, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2014.

“This family tried to squeeze every dollar it could out of the Village of Martinsville,” Auditor Yost said. “I applaud everyone who worked to secure justice for Ohio’s taxpayers.”

Auditors identified 70 purchases totaling $4,156 at Brown’s Distributing, KOI Auto Parts, Lowe’s, Staples and Tractor Supply Co. Findings for recovery in the amounts of $2,572, $847 and $737 were issued against former village employee James R. Robinson and former fiscal officers Jenna Parker and Sheri Watson, respectively. 

An additional $3,174 finding for recovery was issued against James R. Robinson for unsubstantiated work performed during the audit period. He also was hired by the village despite being related to council members Rayetta and Carole Robinson, both of whom were improperly appointed. The issue will be referred to the Ohio Ethics Commission. 

Auditors issued another $50 finding for recovery against Carole Robinson for reimbursements that lacked supporting documentation. 

James R. and Rayetta Robinson and Sheri Watson were all found guilty of theft in office, among other charges, and ordered to pay restitution to the village.

A full copy of this report is available online. 

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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 5,900 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:
Beth Gianforcaro
Press Secretary
614-644-1111