Finding for Recovery of $44,222.08 Issued Against Former Wayne Local Schools Treasurer over Late Fees and Penalties
COLUMBUS — A finding for recovery of $44,222.08 was issued Thursday against a former treasurer for Wayne Local Schools after he failed to pay taxes and other bills on time, resulting in late fees, interest, and penalties.
Ron James and his bonding company are jointly and severally liable for the finding, which was included in a special audit that covered financial activities at the Warren County district from Jan. 1, 2019, through Jan. 25, 2024.
The full report is available online at ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.
The Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) launched an investigation in February 2022 after receiving information from an anonymous source that James was not paying invoices in a timely manner, among other allegations.
SIU identified $41,692.21 in penalties and interest paid by the district to the Internal Revenue Service, the Ohio Department of Taxation, and the Village of Waynesville due to James’ negligence in performing his responsibilities as treasurer.
An additional $2,529.87 in interest and late fees was paid to various vendors after James failed to timely pay more than 60 invoices.
Thursday’s audit report details SIU’s investigation into other allegations, which led to indictments against James and his daughter. Both were acquitted on all charges following a bench trial in Warren County Common Pleas Court.
Since 2019, the Special Investigations Unit has assisted in 147 convictions resulting in more than $16 million in restitution (see Map of SIU Convictions since January 2019). The team receives hundreds of tips of suspected fraud annually. Tips can be submitted anonymously online or via SIU’s fraud hotline at 866-FRAUD-OH (866-372-8364).
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The Auditor of State’s Office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.
Public Affairs
Contact: Marc Kovac
press@ohioauditor.gov
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