ATHENS, Ohio — Former Athens County Job and Family Services Director Jean Demosky pleaded not guilty to all counts at a preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon.
Demosky was arrested Friday, April 3, on one third-degree felony charge of theft in office, for under $7,500. The following Monday, April 6, a grand jury indicted Demosky on eight charges, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony; one first-degree felony count of theft in office; and two counts of intimidation, a third-degree felony.
The Athens County Prosecutor’s Office alleges that Demosky misused county resources, including state-federal funds, to support a private nonprofit, the Athens County Department of Job and Family Services Community Cares Fund.
The county anticipates repaying nearly $2.6 million over the next 15 years to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Part of that debt stems from Demosky’s alleged use of JFS funds and resources to support the Community Cares Fund.
Visiting Judge John T. Wallace presided over the April 9 hearing, where he granted Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn’s request for a special prosecutor. Wallace was appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court, also at Blackburn’s request.
Now representing the state in this case is special prosecutor Ron O’Brien, former Franklin County Prosecutor.
“[Blackburn] called me and asked me if I would accept an appointment, if the court granted,” O’Brien told the Independent.
O’Brien said he may seek a superseding indictment, in which a grand jury hands down a new indictment, possibly with new charges. Wallace said Demosky’s charges carry the possibility for a maximum of up to 16 years in prison.
Demosky was present Thursday and accompanied by her attorney, James Tyack.
Demosky’s next appearance before the court is tentatively set for 11 a.m. June 16, with a jury trial currently scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Aug. 17.
