UTICA — The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is investigating “improprieties” reported to the Utica Police Department a few years ago, Utica Mayor Larry Friesel announced Monday night after a concerned citizen questioned rumors he has been hearing throughout the village.
“I have been hearing rumors around town, that I want to get the facts on the record, that there has been some attempt to defy the village of funds through embezzlement and charges on a credit card. I just wanted to know if this is true and if this is something that has been addressed,” he said.
“Yes, it has been addressed and I can’t say whether any of it is true or not because the attorney general’s office is investigating it,” said Friesel. “This has been going on for a while now before the audit came in. It is a rumor and I don’t know if there is any truth to it or not.”
Friesel reaffirmed the current audit has nothing to do with the investigation and explained briefly that the situation began a few years ago after some “improprieties” were reported to the village police department which was immediately turned over to the state office.
“The attorney general’s office will tell whether the situation is fact or rumors,” he said.
Village Council approved a resolution Monday night declaring the necessity for a levy, not to exeed 10 mills, to be placed on the May 3 ballot.
A special council meeting will convene Monday, Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss details to a levy including whether or not the village should ask for an income tax levy or a property tax levy.
kenesha.beheler@mountvernonnews.com
