The former Nelsonville Fire Chief accused of misusing city funds was sentenced in the Athens County Common Pleas Court on Friday.
Richard D. Russell, Jr., 49, pleaded guilty to one count of petty theft, a first-degree misdemeanor, and was sentenced to a two-year probation period, with a 180-day suspended jail stint.
According to a release from Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn’s office, Russell admitted to using city money to cover a personal expense.
In the release, Blackburn said that "on April 15, 2014, Russell did admit to using City funds to purchase a truck part from Advanced Auto Parts that was for his personal vehicle."
Russell is also required to pay $309 in restitution to the City of Nelsonville and seek counseling.
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