CRESTLINE, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—In a series of legal proceedings unfolding in Richland County, Ohio, Matthew W. Wells, the Crestline Fire Chief, faces a slew of charges related to theft and tampering with records.
The Grand Jury of the State of Ohio has brought forward thirteen counts against Wells, spanning from October 2016 to September 2023.
The charges include allegations of theft offenses, tampering with records, and telecommunications fraud, all considered third-degree felonies. Each is punishable with up to 36 months in prison.
Wells is accused of using his position to commit these offenses, with the stolen property or services valued at $7,500 or more.
The first counts pertain to theft in office, with Wells being accused of committing theft and tampering with records while serving as a public official. The subsequent counts detail instances of tampering with records involving payroll records belonging to governmental entities.
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 Grand Jury’s findings highlight a pattern of behavior by Wells, with each count outlining specific dates and actions taken to falsify, destroy, or alter records for fraudulent purposes.
The allegations indicate a systematic abuse of power and misuse of authority for personal gain.
Sources have reported that Wells still serves as Fire Chief in Crestline.
Crawford County Now reached out to Crestline Mayor Linda Horning for comment on Wells’ status as an employee of the Crestline Fire Department among d these indictments. She did not respond.
Crawford County Now will continue to cover this developing story.