Township clerk's fraud trial slated

8/22/2003

An elected official and former branch manager of a Delta, Ohio, savings and loan will go on trial next month in Lucas County Common Pleas Court on charges of selling fraudulent securities to investors.

Roger A. Morr, 60, who is clerk for Fulton County's York Township, was indicted last month by a Lucas County grand jury. Mr. Morr pleaded not guilty to the 13-count indictment. A trial is scheduled for Sept. 8.

He was charged with five counts of selling an unregistered security, three counts each of false representation in the sale of a security and security fraud, and one count each of theft from an elderly person and grand theft.

Toledo attorney Richard Kerger said yesterday his client has made restitution to the alleged victims. He said money was returned with interest after authorities began an investigation.

“He paid whatever the interest rate was plus the principal,” Mr. Kerger said. “I have not heard anyone come back and say they didn't get as much money as they were supposed to get.”

Mr. Kerger said his client received money from investors and agreed to repay the amount within one year with interest that was above that being paid by banks for certificates of deposit. He said the money was intended to pay off a debt that he incurred from an investment in a trucking business.

Mr. Morr resigned in January from First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Delta, where he had held various positions for 40 years. He most recently was manager of the Swanton branch.

Mr. Kerger and Kerry Vandock, First Federal treasurer, said Mr. Morr's activities did not involve the savings and loan's funds. However, they said people who invested money may have been customers.

“It may be the case that the people were customers. But this has nothing to do with his employment at First Federal,” Mr. Vandock said.

Mr. Morr filed petitions Monday with the Fulton County Board of Elections to seek re-election as clerk, a position he has held for about 27 years. He is running unopposed.