FBI reportedly now investigating Lambert
Lead Summary
By
The Highland County Press-
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reportedly is now the lead investigative authority in the case of former Highland County CVB director and Hillsboro city commissions member Bob Lambert.
Local law enforcement confirmed this week that the FBI has taken evidence of the case to its Cincinnati office.
It was reported on Aug. 18 that two criminal charges against Lambert had been sent to a Highland County grand jury, following his preliminary hearing Thursday, Aug. 18 in Hillsboro Municipal Court.
A Highland County grand jury was convened Tuesday, Sept. 13. However, Lambert was not among those indicted.
Hillsboro Police Chief Todd Whited said this week that as the investigation developed, there was probable cause for the FBI to offer its assistance.
The Cincinnati office of the FBI said it does not comment on pending investigation.
Lambert was arrested at his East Main Street home in Hillsboro on Tuesday, Aug. 9 and was charged with illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, a second-degree felony; and pandering obscenity with a minor, a fifth-degree felony.
“If you are convicted [of the second-degree felony], that would carry up to eight years in the penitentiary and a fine of up to $20,000,” Hillsboro Municipal Court Judge David H. McKenna told Lambert.
McKenna told Lambert that if convicted, the fifth-degree felony carries a 12-month jail sentence and a fine of up to $2,500.
Lambert told McKenna that he had understood the charges and asked the court to appoint an attorney for him. Hillsboro attorney J.D. Wagoner is representing Lambert.
McKenna said that while this case is pending, Lambert is “to have no contact with minor children without written permission from that child’s parent or guardian” and is not permitted to leave the state of Ohio.
“You’ll be under the supervision of the probation department while the case is pending,” McKenna said. “Your bond is set at $50,000, plus electronic monitored house arrest.”
Lambert remains incarcerated at the Highland County Justice Center.
Lambert was terminated Tuesday, Aug. 9 as director of the CVB by board president Tom Horst.
Lambert also was appointed by Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings to serve on the Hillsboro Planning Commission and the Hillsboro Civil Service Commission.
In letters dated June 23 – but stamped received by the city on June 22 – Lambert submitted his resignation from the two city commissions, stating he resigned "due to increasing constraints on my time and other life events."
Both resignations were effective July 1. However, Lambert answered the roll call and voted during the July 18 Hillsboro Planning Commission meeting.
Prior to his arrest, Lambert had posted on social media that he was moving to Florida. He was arrested not long after that post.
Local law enforcement confirmed this week that the FBI has taken evidence of the case to its Cincinnati office.
It was reported on Aug. 18 that two criminal charges against Lambert had been sent to a Highland County grand jury, following his preliminary hearing Thursday, Aug. 18 in Hillsboro Municipal Court.
A Highland County grand jury was convened Tuesday, Sept. 13. However, Lambert was not among those indicted.
Hillsboro Police Chief Todd Whited said this week that as the investigation developed, there was probable cause for the FBI to offer its assistance.
The Cincinnati office of the FBI said it does not comment on pending investigation.
Lambert was arrested at his East Main Street home in Hillsboro on Tuesday, Aug. 9 and was charged with illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, a second-degree felony; and pandering obscenity with a minor, a fifth-degree felony.
“If you are convicted [of the second-degree felony], that would carry up to eight years in the penitentiary and a fine of up to $20,000,” Hillsboro Municipal Court Judge David H. McKenna told Lambert.
McKenna told Lambert that if convicted, the fifth-degree felony carries a 12-month jail sentence and a fine of up to $2,500.
Lambert told McKenna that he had understood the charges and asked the court to appoint an attorney for him. Hillsboro attorney J.D. Wagoner is representing Lambert.
McKenna said that while this case is pending, Lambert is “to have no contact with minor children without written permission from that child’s parent or guardian” and is not permitted to leave the state of Ohio.
“You’ll be under the supervision of the probation department while the case is pending,” McKenna said. “Your bond is set at $50,000, plus electronic monitored house arrest.”
Lambert remains incarcerated at the Highland County Justice Center.
Lambert was terminated Tuesday, Aug. 9 as director of the CVB by board president Tom Horst.
Lambert also was appointed by Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings to serve on the Hillsboro Planning Commission and the Hillsboro Civil Service Commission.
In letters dated June 23 – but stamped received by the city on June 22 – Lambert submitted his resignation from the two city commissions, stating he resigned "due to increasing constraints on my time and other life events."
Both resignations were effective July 1. However, Lambert answered the roll call and voted during the July 18 Hillsboro Planning Commission meeting.
Prior to his arrest, Lambert had posted on social media that he was moving to Florida. He was arrested not long after that post.