Probe targets email at board of elections

BY TOM TROY
BLADE POLITICS WRITER

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A criminal investigation is under way into alleged misuse of emails at the Lucas County Board of Elections.

Records obtained from the elections board show that two computers were taken as evidence by a Toledo police officer and an FBI agent on Friday.

The investigation is believed to center on allegations that a Republican employee's email address was used to send an email in the employee's name but without the employee's knowledge.

There was no immediate indication that the investigation relates to the upcoming election on Nov. 8.

Several authorities confirmed the investigation Monday, but none provided detail.

Ben Roberts, the elections board's director, said, "there's an active criminal investigation with the prosecutor's office."

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates said she could not comment on a pending investigation.

Matt McClellan, spokesman for the Ohio Secretary of State's Office, said: "Our office was made aware of an issue at the board late Friday involving an email breach or something. We don't have anything else at this point in time."

The elections board's visitor log shows Toledo police Detective Dave Morford and FBI Special Agent Scott Halbur visited the board's office Friday afternoon. Agent Halbur confirmed he accompanied Mr. Morford to the elections office to obtain evidence, but said the FBI does not have an open investigation.

A property receipt shows two computers belonging to Lucas County were taken as evidence.

Last Thursday, Republican elections board member Anthony DeGidio tried to pass a motion to allow the elections board to go into executive session to discuss a criminal investigation. Democratic board member James Ruvolo said there was no criminal investigation because the board had no notice in writing, and refused to agree to the executive session. He said if there was anything to discuss, it should be discussed in open session.

The motion died on a 2-2 party-line tie, with Republican board member Jon Stainbrook voting yes with Mr. DeGidio and Democratic board member Ron Rothenbuhler voting no with Mr. Ruvolo.

Mr. Ruvolo said he was informed Friday that there was indeed an investigation under way, but provided no details.

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