Wells reports to Richland County Jail after previously admitting theft in office

Longtime firefighter and former Crestline fire Chief Matthew Wells is behind bars in Richland County Jail where he will start his 60-day sentence.

Wells, 52, of Galion , was sentenced July 17 to two months in jail by Common Pleas Judge Phil Naumoff. The judge told Wells he considered prison time for the offenses, but later decided on county jail as punishment.

Wells pleaded guilty in June to tampering with records, a third-degree felony, and an amended charge of theft in office, also a third-degree felony.

Wells was employed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce from 2015-2023. He also worked for the Springfield Township Fire Department in Richland County and the Pleasant Township Fire Department in Marion.

Tom Anger, an attorney with the state auditor's office, previously said Wells began working at Springfield and Pleasant townships during the hours he was supposed to be working for the department of education.

At times, Wells either claimed work hours for two agencies or used paid leave, including sick leave, from one while working for another.

He was ordered to pay $26,363.92 in restitution, which he has done.

The state initiated an investigation in January 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.

His actual time behind bars will be determined by his behavior. Ohio law allows inmates to receive credit for days served in jail without offenses, good behavior and other positive impacts.

mcaudill@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Wells reports to Richland County Jail after previously admitting theft in office