SUPCO Makes Sheriff's Suspension Official

A panel of Ohio Supreme Court Justices today suspended from office Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly, who stands indicted on public corruption charges. The move upholds the preliminary recommendation issued earlier this month. Kelly has pleaded not guilty to a 25 count indictment alleging he improperly used public funds to buy meals and clothing, sold county property to a scrap yard and stole wire from a county garage, among other allegations. He goes on trial in September. County Commissioners yesterday appointed former Sheriff's lieutenant Rodney Smith to hold the job until county Democratic Party leaders appoint someone to fill out the remainder of Kelly's term. That is expected to happen on April 8th. Smith is one of the two finalists.