Columbus – Based on an investigation by Auditor of State Keith Faber’s Special Investigations Unit, former Village of DeGraff (Logan County) Utility Clerk Jennifer Dearwester was indicted on one count of Theft in Office (F3), one count of Aggravated Theft (F3), and three counts of Tampering with Records (F3).

“Our Special Investigations Unit is a group of law enforcement professionals dedicated to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse in government,” Auditor Faber said. “Thanks to their hard work, Ohioans everywhere can rest assured knowing someone is looking out for their hard earned tax dollars.”

Dearwester served the village as Utility Clerk from September 2006 and March 2018. Between January 2014 and March 2018, Dearwester allegedly misappropriated cash utility payments from village residents and tampered with information in the village utility system. It is believed that the losses to the village exceed $150,000.

Dearwester’s arraignment occurred at 1 p.m. today at the Logan Court of Common Pleas.

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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 6,000 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government. 

Contact:

Allie Dumski

Press Secretary

(614) -644-1111