Council president: 'Dark days for the city of Hillsboro'
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
Hillsboro City Council President Lee Koogler said the last two days (Dec. 16-17) "have certainly been dark days for the City of Hillsboro," in reference to a search warrant being ordered and executed on the offices of the Hillsboro mayor, safety and service director and city auditor.
Following the search warrant signed by Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss, the judge wrote "There is probable cause to believe that in the city of Hillsboro the following criminal offenses have occurred: Forgery, in violation of 2913.31 of the Ohio Revised Code; and theft in office in violation of 2921.41 of the Ohio Revised Code."
Koogler said this week: "At this point in time, City Council will be taking a wait-and-see approach as to whether or not any alleged wrongdoing has occurred based upon the search warrant executed at the City Administrative Offices before taking any sort of official action.
"When I know more, I will see to it that City Council takes any action that is appropriate at that point in time. The last two days have certainly been dark days for the City of Hillsboro, but I am in hope that in time, the clouds will part and the sun will shine on the City of Hillsboro once again."
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Prior to the search warrant, Hillsboro resident and City of Hillsboro employee Craig R. Jackson, in a sworn complaint pursuant to Section 733.72 of the Ohio Revised Code, along with city electors his wife, Ariana Jackson, and Hillsboro residents Lisa Leeth, Kirby Ellison and Betty Bishop, alleged this week that Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings is guilty of misfeasance or malfeasance in office.
Highland County Common Pleas Court Juvenile and Probate Judge Kevin L. Greer said a hearing for the mayor is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23.
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• Additionally, the Hillsboro Police Department was called to property owned by the mayor at 1:57 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 for a possible drug overdose.
Hillsboro Police Chief Todd Whited told The Highland County Press on Dec. 18 that the police department and Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District personnel responded to 123 West Walnut Street in Hillsboro and found a man unresponsive.
Emergency responders administered medical care for Levi Krebs, 24, of Bainbridge. Whited said Krebs refused treatment and was not transported to the hospital. According to Hillsboro Municipal Court, a hearing for Krebs is scheduled for Dec. 21.