Correction Notice
Please be advised that there was an error in the original post regarding the arraignment of Miranda Jones. The article incorrectly stated that Jones is accused of stealing money from the Bucyrus Chamber of Commerce. In fact, Jones is accused of stealing money from the Galion/Crestline Chamber of Commerce.
The Bucyrus Chamber has no affiliation or dealings with Miranda Jones.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.— Randy Bigley, Editor-In-Chief; Crawford County Now
CRAWFORD COUNTY , OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Miranda Jones, the former director of the Galion/Crestline Chamber of Commerce, appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court for her arraignment on Monday. Accompanied by her attorney, Cassandra Mayer from Mansfield, Jones faced Judge Sean Leuthold amid serious allegations of financial misconduct.
Special Prosecutor Samuel Kirk, representing the State of Ohio’s Auditors Office, revealed that Jones is accused of embezzling $65,000 from the Galion/Crestline Chamber of Commerce. The charges against her also include forgery of CPA documents and the alteration of bank statements submitted to the Board of Directors.
Jones is charged with multiple offenses, including one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony, alongside charges of identity fraud, money laundering, and telecommunications fraud—each categorized as third-degree felonies. She also faces four counts of forgery, classified as fifth-degree felonies, and one count of theft, which is a fourth-degree felony. If found guilty on all counts, she could face nearly 20 years in prison.
During the arraignment, Jones pleaded not guilty to all charges. Prosecutor Kirk requested a bond of $500,000, but Judge Leuthold ultimately set the bond at $400,000.
Should Jones post bail, the judge-imposed restrictions, including a prohibition on any contact with the Chamber.
Currently unemployed, Jones awaits her pretrial hearing, which will be scheduled for a later date.
Crawford County Now will provide ongoing updates as this story develops.