OH Chief Indicted for Collecting Pay from Multiple Agencies Simultaneously

Oct. 12, 2023
Crestline Chief Matthew Wells was getting paid by one agency while working the same hours at another, officials say.

Crestline Fire Chief, Matthew Wells has been indicted by a Richland County Grand Jury for allegedly collecting pay from multiple jobs simultaneously.

He is charged with grand theft, theft in office and tampering with records. He's also charged with representation by a public official or employee, ABC 5 reported. 

The auditor's office's Special Investigative Unit launched an investigation after receiving a tip that Wells was getting paid by one agency while working the same hours at another. 

Wells was employed by the Ohio Department of Education, the Springfield Township Fire Department in Richland County and the Pleasant Township Fire Department in Marion County. It's estimated he collected $60,000. 

Authorities said Wells "at times, either claimed the same work hours for two agencies or used paid leave, including sick leave, from one while working for another."

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