FREMONT — The city’s former safety-service director pleaded guilty Thursday in Sandusky County Common Pleas Court to a misdemeanor charge of dereliction of duty.
Marc Glotzbecker, 41, had faced two felony counts of theft in office, but Special Prosecutor Derek DeVine told the court the allegations were weakened by the inavailability of a key witness, former Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton, who reportedly accepted six complimentary tickets to Cedar Point amusement park from Mr. Glotzbecker.
Mr. Glotzbecker was accused of stealing the tickets last June and of taking $339 from the city in November, 2011, when he was parks and recreation director. His attorney, Dean Henry, said his client did not admit to stealing anything, only that he could have done a better job of supervising employees and keeping track of paperwork.
Judge John Dewey sentenced Mr. Glotbecker to two years probation and ordered him to pay $573 to the city of Fremont and a $500 fine. As part of the plea agreement, Mr. Glotzbecker also may not ask to have his court record sealed or expunged.
Mr. Glotzbecker, who was fired in October by Mayor Jim Ellis, remains a member of the Fremont city school board.