Columbus – A former Paulding County deputy auditor who pleaded guilty to theft in office in September owes the county $6,263, according to an audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost. 

The audit found instances where former Deputy Auditor Mereidith Davis cashed customer checks at the county treasurer’s office and/or removed cash for personal use. Auditors identified $5,228 in conveyance fees that were collected but never submitted to the county treasurer or deposited into the county bank account.

“Stealing tax dollars is a bad idea to begin with,” Auditor Yost said, “but stealing them from a county auditor is just plain stupid.”

The audit also noted three instances where Davis incorrectly processed warranty deeds as exempt deeds. Exempt deeds are only assessed a transfer fee, while warranty deeds are also assessed a conveyance fee. As a result, Davis collected $1,035 in conveyance fees but never submitted the funds to the county treasurer. 

A $6,263 finding for recovery was issued against Davis. On Sept. 13, 2016, she pleaded guilty to a fifth-degree felony charge of theft in office. A sentencing hearing is scheduled today at 10:30 a.m.

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