The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Coleman pleads guilty to theft
U.S. Rep. Joyce’s former campaign treasurer admits to embezzlement
U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce’s former campaign treasurer Scott Coleman on Aug. 29 pleaded guilty to fourthdegree felony grand theft for stealing from the campaign.
Coleman, 58, appeared with attorney Ian N. Friedman in Geauga County Common Pleas Court to waive an indictment from the grand jury and plead to the charge. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Geauga County Prosecutor James Flaiz said had the case gone to trial, his office would have been able to prove that between Jan. 1, 2015, and Nov. 30, 2018, Coleman embezzled approximately $160,000 from the Friends of Dave Joyce campaign account.
Flaiz said that Coleman has already written checks to pay full restitution to the Joyce campaign for the stolen funds as well as the cost of the investigation into the embezzlement, which he said “far exceeded the theft amount.” Coleman paid more than $340,000 in total.
“Scott unequivocally acknowledges that he committed this unfortunate act and he’s doing everything humanly possible to correct that wrong,” Friedman said in a statement on Coleman’s behalf. “Those who knew him best all agree this conduct is not reflective of his otherwise full life of deeds and support for others. He is very sorry for the harm this has caused family, friends and Congressman Joyce.”
Coleman became treasurer for Bainbridge Township Republican Joyce’s first successful congressional bid in 2012 and had the same role for Joyce’s predecessor, the late Rep. Steve LaTourette. Flaiz said no irregularities were found with LaTourette’s campaign account.
Flaiz said that Coleman did not have a previous criminal record. Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge David M. Ondrey set a personal bond for Coleman. Coleman came to the courtroom wearing an ankle monitor, which was not imposed by the court. Friedman said the self-imposed house arrest monitored by Alternative Protective Services has been in effect for the past several weeks to show he’s “taking this very seriously.”
Ondrey made the continued use of the ankle monitoring system a part of Coleman’s personal bond. He is also not allowed to leave the state without permission and to obey Ohio’s laws.
Sentencing is expected in six to eight weeks. Coleman faces a maximum of 1.5 years behind bars.
Coleman also served as Highland Heights mayor since 2004, but resigned Feb. 19 after the investigation into the embezzlement was reported.
Highland Heights City Council President Chuck Brunello Jr. was appointed to fill out the remainder of Coleman’s term, which runs through the end of the year.
Brunello is seeking to retain that office in the November general election where he will face former city council member and president Scott A. Mills.