Court appoints outside judge

An outside judge will hear the case of Stephen Decatur, Geauga County’s former chief technology officer who is accused of embezzling more than $250,000.

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.

His case has been bound over to Geauga County Common Pleas Court from Chardon Municipal Court.

However, the Ohio Supreme Court recently appointed retired Wayne County Domestics Relations Judge Robert J. Brown to preside over the proceedings.

According to the complaint, 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 said previously.

Gliha said he is cooperating with the investigation to bring the case to a close as efficiently as possible.

“I have full confidence in

the sheriff and the prosecutor,” he added.

Gliha has not yet filled Decatur’s position.

“I’m taking my time on that,” he said.

Decatur, who remains free on bond, was terminated Oct. 26 after working for the county for 12 years.

Defense attorney Laurence Turbow declined comment.

Appointed, retired judges are paid by the day.

Decatur