The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Former Geauga County IT head accused of embezzlement
Geauga County’s former chief technology officer is accused of embezzling more than $250,000.
Stephen Decatur, a 58-year-old Munson Township resident, has been charged with having an unlawful interest in a public contract, a felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison.
After his arraignment Oct. 27 in Chardon Municipal Court, Decatur posted a $25,000 bond.
As a condition of bond, he must wear a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring Device.
The complaint alleges that Decatur made payments to SMCS Tech, a fake company operated by his daughter.
Decatur and County Auditor Frank Gliha authorized a payment of $259,700 to SMCS Tech without a service agreement between November 2016 and September 2017 and then deposited the money into his personal account, Geauga County Prosecutor James Flaiz confirmed.
Gliha did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
Decatur’s employment was terminated Oct. 26 after working for the county for 12 years. Steps have been taken to secure the county’s informational systems, according to the Geauga Maple Leaf.
Geauga County Common Pleas Court records show that Decatur has been sued multiple times for credit issues.
Decatur’s employment was terminated Oct. 26 after working for the county for 12 years. Steps have been taken to secure the county’s informational systems, according to the Geauga Maple Leaf.