Sandusky County misspent $45,000, state claims

9/22/2010

FREMONT — Judge Brad Smith of Sandusky County Juvenile Court warned county commissioners this week the county may be liable for more than $45,000 spent from a state grant without authorization before he was elected.

The Ohio Department of Youth Services said in a letter to Judge Smith the county owes $45,227 from the Felony Delinquent Care and Custody Fund between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008.

The expenditure and several smaller ones “were not included within the approved funding applications nor were any attempts made to file a budget amendment or otherwise seek DYS approval,” the state wrote.

Judge Smith, who defeated ex-Judge Brad Culbert in November, 2008, said he would appeal the findings. If unsuccessful, the money must be repaid from the general fund.