CRESTLINE,OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Matthew Wells, the chief of the Crestline Fire Department, has been indicted by a Richland County Grand Jury on charges of allegedly receiving pay from multiple jobs simultaneously. The investigation was initiated by the auditor’s office Special Investigative Unit following a tip that Wells was receiving payment from one agency while working the same hours at another.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Wells held employment positions with the Ohio Department of Education, the Springfield Township Fire Department in Richland County, and the Pleasant Township Fire Department in Marion County. Authorities found evidence suggesting that Wells either claimed the same work hours for two agencies or utilized paid leave, including sick leave, from one agency while working for another.
The alleged fraudulent activities are estimated to have resulted in Wells obtaining over $60,000 from his employers.
According to the Ohio State Auditor’s Office, Wells is charged with grand theft, theft in office and tampering with records. He’s also charged with representation by a public official or employee.