June 13--Seven members of the Harrison Township Emergency Medical Services board in Muskingum County were indicted yesterday, accused of selling the contents of ambulances, along with the EMS building itself, and using the money for other purposes.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced the indictments, charging the seven -- including four family members -- with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and other charges.
The attorney general's investigators believe that nearly $500,000 was misspent between 2008 and 2012 by members of the nonprofit organization.
Kate Hanson, spokeswoman for the attorney general's office, said the charitable law section received complaints about Harrison Township EMS Inc. in December 2011, and January 2012, and opened its investigation shortly thereafter.
Todd Elmore, chief of the Harrison Township volunteer fire department, said his squad used to have a contract with Harrison Township EMS Inc., as did a number of other area townships, for emergency medical service.
After that group went out of business around 2011, the Harrison Township fire department began providing its own EMS, and purchased the building of the former provider.
He said he now wonders whether the fire department will lose its building. "I hope not," Elmore said. "We're paying for it."
Indicted were Brian T. Hatfield, 39, of Philo, the former chief of the EMS service, on counts of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, money laundering and four counts of theft.
Also indicted were Hatfield's father, mother and sister who also were members of the board. Robert D. Hatfield, 61, and Beverly A. Hatfield, both of Philo, were indicted on counts of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, money laundering, theft, obstructing justice and falsification, as was Heather N. Price, 36, of Philo.
Also indicted were former board members Richard L. Bennett, 49, of Duncan Falls, Mary E. Randals, 56, of Philo, and Terry D. Randals, 49, of Philo, all on counts of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, money laundering and theft.
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