In The News 25 September 2023

Hocking County commissioner indicted over $19,084 in alleged fraudulent purchases while Ag Society secretary

Auditor of State's Office

COLUMBUS – A Hocking County Grand Jury has indicted former Hocking County Agricultural Society Secretary Jessica Dicken on seven criminal counts, related to more than $19,000 in fraudulent credit card purchases.

Dicken, a current Hocking County commissioner, faces felony counts of telecommunications fraud, money laundering, theft, and election falsification and a misdemeanor count of soliciting or accepting improper compensation.

The Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) launched an investigation after receiving a complaint alleging fraudulent use of the Hocking County Agricultural Society’s credit card.

SIU determined Dicken had made $19,084 in fraudulent purchases using the agricultural society’s credit cards, including to help finance her 2022 campaign for Hocking County commissioner, to pay for a rental vehicle during a family vacation to Florida, and for various other purchases.

The indictment was filed in Hocking County Common Pleas Court Friday. An arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 12. SIU is serving as special prosecutor for the case.

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