News
Jackson Mayor Indicted, Alleged To Have Used Influence For Money, Contracts
By: Susan Tebben
Posted on:
JACKSON (WOUB) — The mayor of a Southeastern Ohio town will face charges which allege he used his influence as a public official to secure money and a public contract.
Randy Heath, 64, was indicted in Jackson County Common Pleas Court on Monday on six counts of having an unlawful interest in a public contract and four counts of violation of restrictions during or after employment, according to court records.
The indictment claims Heath “knowingly occupied a position of profit” during the authorization of a public contract by the Jackson Board of Control, of which Heath is a member.
Prosecutors also accuse Heath in the indictment of benefitting from a public contract with the City of Jackson. They allege he used his influence as a public official to secure funding in the amount of $6,000, “or something of value “that was of such a character as to manifest a substantial and improper influence” on Heath, the indictment states.
All ten counts are first-degree misdemeanors, so the case was moved to Jackson County Municipal Court on Tuesday. Misdemeanors cases are typically seen in municipal court, whereas felony charges are seen in common pleas.
Municipal Court Clerk Diana Morris told WOUB a court appearance has not been scheduled in the case. Morris said due to the small size of the court and the city, the court has asked the Ohio Supreme Court to assign a visiting judge for the case, which she said should be within the week.
An attorney is not listed for Heath.