Lt. Rodney Smith was appointed Thursday to take over the Athens County Sheriff's Office as interim sheriff if and when the Ohio Supreme Court suspends Sheriff Pat Kelly from office.
The Athens County Commissioners held interviews for the interim job Thursday, with Smith and Sheriff’s Detective Lt. Jack Taylor sitting down with the board in executive session. The meetings happened after Kelly decided not to contest his preliminary suspension.
Commissioner Lenny Eliason said the board of commissioners decided to appoint Smith because they anticipate Smith will interact well with the community.
“It’s important to have someone who communicates well with the community,” Eliason said.
Kelly was served a 25-count indictment this year for several criminal charges — 23 of which were felonies. The charges include theft in office, money laundering and perjury, among others.
After the Jan. 31 indictment was handed down, a special commission was appointed Feb. 19 to determine whether or not he should be suspended pending the results of the trial.
The three judges on the commission, appointed by Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, include: retired judges John F. Bender, Neal B. Bronson and Jennifer L. Sargus.
"Ohio Supreme Court made the preliminary decision to suspend the sheriff," Eliason said. "(The statement expected to be released soon) would be their final decision."
Smith, 51, retired from the Athens County Sheriff's Office Aug. 1, 2013 after 26 years of serivce.
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