ASHVILLE, Ohio — Ashville Police Chief Jeff George continues to receive his salary while on paid administrative leave, despite pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an incident of unauthorized use of property. George, who earns over $40 per hour, has been sidelined since July 2024, with the village relying on interim chiefs to manage the police department in his absence.
The case originated on February 15, 2024, when George allegedly removed an item from the Ashville Police Department’s property room—an item slated for destruction under a municipal court order—and placed it in his personal vehicle. Following a complaint, Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew Hafey launched an investigation on July 9. George returned the item on June 25 after being confronted by the Ashville Village Council. Initially facing potential felony charges of theft in office, George was instead charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor for unauthorized use. The Madison County Prosecutor’s Office handled the case after the Pickaway County Prosecutor recused herself. The Madison County office did not return calls for comment as to why George dodged the felony charge.
In January, George pled guilty in court. He was fined $100, with $50 suspended, and assessed $100 in court costs, which were also suspended. He avoided jail time—up to 30 days—and probation, which could have lasted up to five years. Despite his conviction, George remains on paid leave, drawing scrutiny from residents as village officials stay silent as he receives a taxpayer funded paycheck while essentially on vacation.
The Guardian reached out to the Ashville Mayor on Monday, but received no statement. Village Administrator Bert Cline referred all questions to the mayor, consistent with his earlier stance that he does not oversee the police department. In a previous interview, Cline indicated he “expects” the village council to take action following George’s court proceedings, though no updates on council decisions have been provided.
The lack of transparency has left Ashville residents questioning why a convicted police chief continues to collect a paycheck while interim leadership fills the void. George’s case, now resolved in court, shifts focus to the village’s next steps as the community awaits an official response.