CANTON − The state is looking into allegations a county sheriff's deputy may have taken funds from the deputies' union, the Stark County Sheriff's Office said Thursday.
The deputy was an officer of the union at the time, according to a statement issued by the office of Stark County Sheriff George Maier.
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Maier's office said it asked the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to perform an independent probe upon learning of the allegations.
The deputy was put on administrative leave during the review. It's not clear if it's paid leave.
It's not clear when Maier learned of the allegations or how they came to the attention of his office.
Investigation into Stark County Deputies Association funds
"The Stark County Sheriff's Office takes these allegations with utmost seriousness," the statement said. "A thorough investigation has been completed to ensure a comprehensive and impartial examination of the facts. As this is an active investigation, details must remain confidential to preserve the integrity of the process."
The sheriff's office promised to provide updates as long the details won't compromise the investigation.
The statement said the sheriff's office has "zero tolerance" of any behavior that undermines the law or ethical standards. And the office will seek any violators be held fully accountable.
A message seeking comment was left Thursday afternoon in the voicemail box of a deputy who was a top official of the union as of March.
Stark County Deputies Association finances
As of last year, the deputies' union, the Stark County Deputies Association, represented about 85 deputies in collective bargaining with the sheriff. The union reached a three-year agreement with the sheriff and Stark County commissioners in spring 2023. The deputies got a 5% raise in 2023, 4.5% raise in 2024 and 4% raise in 2025.
According to the union's 990 form it filed with the Internal Revenue Service, the union finished 2023 with about $264,000 in cash assets with membership dues revenue of $38,680 and expenses of nearly $36,000 that year. The union has no paid staff. It reported no debt.
The organization said it spent $13,092 last year on professional dues; $978 on occupancy, rent, utilities and maintenance; $9,488 on meals and entertainment; $7,646 on a retirement gift; $4,250 in donations and $1,642 on office supplies. About $1,129 of the spending came from its 2022 budget.
Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. X formerly Twitter: @rwangREP.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark sheriff's deputy on leave amid state probe of possible theft of union funds
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