Longtime firefighter Matthew Wells did not avoid incarceration for stealing from taxpayers.
Wells, 52, of Galion, was sentenced Monday to four years of probation, to include 60 days in the Richland County Jail, by Common Pleas Judge Phil Naumoff. Wells will report Aug. 9.
Naumoff told Wells he considered prison time for the offenses. Wells pleaded guilty June 12 to tampering with records, a third-degree felony, and an amended charge of theft in office, a third-degree felony.
In exchange for his plea, the state dismissed a second count of theft in office, nine counts of tampering with records and one count of telecommunications fraud.
"You have to pay some consequences for what happened," Naumoff said. "Too many people had trust in you, too many."
Wells was employed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce from 2015 to 2023. He also worked for the Springfield Township Fire Department in Richland County and the Pleasant Township Fire Department in Marion.
"In October or November of 2016, Mister Wells began working as a floater for the Springfield Fire Department and also worked at the Pleasant Township Fire Department," said Special Prosecutor Matt Anger, from the state auditor's office, in a previous hearing. "Mister Wells began working at Springfield and Pleasant during the hours he was supposed to be working for ODE."
At times, Wells either claimed work hours for two agencies or used paid leave, including sick leave, from one while working for another.
Wells was ordered to make $13,181.96 in restitution to ODE and an equal amount to the state auditor's office. He has done so.
Sides dispute whether Wells continued working as Crestline fire chief
Most recently, Wells served as Crestline fire chief.
There was some question at Monday's hearing whether Wells had continued to work at Crestline after his guilty plea.
"Mr. Wells pled guilty on June 12. That forever barred him from public service or public employment," Anger said. "He's been working since then as the fire chief at Crestline. The state's position is that's a violation. That's troubling."
The News Journal left a message for Crestline Mayor Linda Horning Pitt, who was out of the office.
Anger further said the auditor's office had heard that Wells planned to work as a paid consultant for the village of Crestline or somewhere else.
"That's not allowed," Anger said.
Anger took no position on jail time but asked Naumoff to impose a "serious sentence."
The state initiated an investigation on Jan. 20, 2022. The original date ranges for the allegations were between Oct. 25, 2016, and July 30, 2021.
In October, Wells was indicted on charges of theft in office, two counts of grand theft and a misdemeanor count of representation by a public official or employee.
He was re-indicted on the current charges in April and the previous case was dismissed.
Defense attorney recommends probation
Defense attorney Peter Scranton, of Columbus, lobbied for probation.
"I know Mister Wells pretty well. I consider Matt to be a very fine man with a long history of civil service, no criminal record or issues," Scranton said. "Your honor, I just ask that we be able to put this matter behind us and allow Matt to be put on community control (probation)."
A pre-sentence investigation recommended Wells maintain full-time employment. Scranton said Wells planned to retire.
Wells was the next to address the court. He told Naumoff he had served the citizens of Ohio for 30 years.
"I look forward to the next chapter in life, which will be retirement," Wells said, adding he might volunteer in the community.
His comment was in contrast to what he later told Naumoff about being a consultant.
"The plan for a transition was approved by the village solicitor, as well as Mister Scranton," Wells said.
He also denied continuing to serve as fire chief after pleading guilty to two felonies. He said the village appointed an interim chief the same day as his plea.
The News Journal is awaiting the village to fulfill a public records request.
Naumoff noted he received numerous letters in support of Wells.
Judge says crimes undermined the good Wells has done
"You've touched a lot of people's lives. They care about you," Naumoff said. "In the same breath, though, the people you served were taken advantage of as taxpayers.
"You took an oath to serve and protect, not to steal and victimize. That's a scarlet letter you've got to wear."
Naumoff said public officials are held to a higher standard.
"Whether it's fair or not, there's more expected of us. We're under more scrutiny," he said. "Actions like this damage everybody's reputation. People think the whole system is corrupt.
"It's ended your career. All the years of service will be remembered for this. This is what you go out as, a felon, a convicted felon."
Naumoff also ordered Wells to pay a $2,500 fine and court costs.
After the hearing, Anger called the sentence fair.
"I think it's the right sentence," the special prosecutor said.
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
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