Reynolds could not be reached for comment on this latest development but said previously he has no power over any other jurisdictions or offices and “obviously it’s the politics that’s going on in the county.” The penalty for “use of authority” would be a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail. He said there are various penalties for violating ethics laws. But generally, “under the conflict of interest statute, the use of authority could include using your office to try and influence other officeholders.” Ohio Ethics Commission Executive Director Paul Nick told the Journal-News previously he cannot say whether the Reynolds issue has come before the commission or discuss whether there is a potential conflict of interest. He also contacted Water & Sewer Department Director Martha Shelby because the developer was concerned about $862,512 in water capacity fees so he wanted to explore special capacity fees for “developments targeting” older residents. Some of Reynolds’ emails were sent from his county work email account that identifies his elected position, and he sent others from his personal email account. The 122-unit senior living development called Red Oaks has received zoning approval from the West Chester trustees, but a major road improvement is one of the conditions for it moving forward.Īccording to email records obtained by the Journal-News, Reynolds has asked the county commissioners and trustees from West Chester and Liberty townships to provide tax increment financing dollars for the $1.1 million road improvement. The four parcels are valued at $459,370, according to the auditor’s website. Reynolds’ father, Raymond, owns 25 acres along Hamilton Mason Road between Mauds Hughes and Cincinnati Dayton roads. “And if the sheriff feels he would like his help I would certainly appreciate the attorney general giving him a hand.” Madison Twp.“I have a great deal of confidence in the Ohio attorney general to do responsible investigations,” Gmoser told the Journal-News. Householder attorney suggests Judge Black has 'personal animosity' in historic public corruption trialīutler County elected official indicted on corruption-related charges If he had not participated in the vote it would not have passed for lack of a quorum on the board. Last year, a complaint was filed with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office alleging Daniel voted on several zoning variances for properties his son, Todd Daniel, owned at the corner of Keister and Middletown Germantown roads, clearing the way for a new Dollar General store.ĭaniel held the mortgage on the two properties in question that were owned by his son at the time of the BZA vote. The audit said Daniel voted on 36 road department ordinances in 20 when he should have abstained because his son Todd Daniel is road supervisor. Both entities worked on the investigation for more than a year.Īn audit was released in July that was critical of the township’s finances, including citations that two trustees had improperly voted on legislation that involved relatives.
The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with the investigation and referral for prosecution by the Ohio Ethics Commission. Daniel previously resigned from the county board of zoning appeals.ĭaniel had been an elected Madison Twp. Trustees in things that benefited him personally and/or a member of his family. Prosecutors and Butler County Sheriff’s Office detectives allege Daniel participated as a voting member of the Butler County Board of Zoning Appeals and as a voting member of the Board of Madison Twp.
Specifically, Daniel is charged with three counts of unlawful interest in a public contract, a fourth-degree felony, and four counts of use of authority or influence of office to secure anything of value, a first-degree misdemeanor. 13 is possible.īutler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser said shortly after the hearing, he received Daniel’s resignation from the board of trustees. On Monday, Daniel was back in court, where Judge Greg Stephens continued the case for one week.
He was indicted by a grand jury on seven counts, including charges for having an unlawful interest in a public contract and using or authorizing the use of his authority or influence of his office to secure anything of value. Daniel, who is facing multiple criminal charges of alleged misuse of his elected office, resigned following a court appearance Monday morning, according to prosecutors.ĭaniel, 76, was in Butler County Common Pleas Court in September, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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