State, local officials probe suspected theft in Lucas County auto title office
6/3/2008The Ohio State Auditor is investigating an alleged theft in the Auto Title Division of the Lucas County Clerk of Courts, the state agency announced today.
The state is conducting a full audit of the division at the request of Clerk of Courts Bernie Quilter, who said he requested the audit after suspecting theft in his office. No charges have been filed yet but Mr. Quilter said that a criminal investigation is ongoing and that he will pursue prosecution of any offenders.
An investigator with the Lucas County Prosecutor s office confirmed that a former employee of the Auto Title Division is under investigation. Authorities declined to release any names.
According to Mr. Quilter, members of his senior staff began looking into the finances in the Auto Title Division earlier this year. He said he requested assistance from the state after finding some discrepancies.
Mr. Quilter declined to comment on the extent of the alleged thefts saying only that it is a "significant amount."