Just as he said he would, Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly pleaded not guilty to 25 criminal charges, including money laundering and theft, among others, at his arraignment in the Athens County Common Pleas Court on Monday.
While Kelly was in the courtroom, protesters — many of whom were students — were outside at the intersection of Court and Washington streets calling for Kelly to step down. One protester held up a sign that read, “My taxes don’t pay bail.”
Kelly, who the state of Ohio says meant to “achieve unlawful goals,” as an elected official, faces suspension from office.
A court filing by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine states that Kelly, who was indicted on 25 counts Jan. 31, used the Athens County Sheriff’s office “as a means to enrich himself personally,” throughout his entire time in office.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine moved last week for the Ohio Supreme Court to begin suspension proceedings against Kelly, who is charged with multiple felonies “relating to (his) administration of, or conduct in the performance of” a sheriff’s duties, according to court documents that lay out the state's evidence in the case.
A three-judge commission with at least one who is a Democrat, the political party Kelly’s affiliated with, will be appointed by Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor. That commission would have 14 days after being appointed to make a decision.
Local officials can only speculate the length and costs of Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly’s jury trial and the cost for the special grand jury trial that wrapped up last week.
Kelly was indicted Friday on 25 counts, including 23 felonies.
“There’s some (taxpayer) cost (covering the investigation), but we don’t have the exact number,” Athens County Commissioner Lenny Eliason said, without specifying what exactly taxpayers are paying for. “I can’t speculate because there’s no way of knowing. We don’t have the Attorney General’s bills.”
Commissioner Charlie Adkins said, “With 23 felonies, I think (the costs) could be up there.”
Kelly, speaking to reporters from his office the day he was served a 25-count indictment, said he doesn't plan on stepping down — and even said he's already planning on "running again" for office.
"Another three years," he said. "I'm coming back, people, four years from now."
He sharply criticized the merit of the charges — including "failure to keep a cashbook" and "obstructive official business" — saying, "who keeps a cashbook? Everything is computerized. That's what they're charging me with."
He held firm that he will not step down.
“I think DeWine’s reached too far,” Kelly said.
— The Post staff
@ThePostLocal
