UPDATE 5:55 PM: Reader will remain Sheriff until likely tomorrow. In order for his voluntary suspension to take effect, the state has to prepare a judgement entry and file it with the court. That is expected to take place Thursday.
Reader will remain Sheriff throughout the evening. The county commission is expected to meet Thursday to name an interim Sheriff.
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ORIGINAL STORY: Pike County Sheriff Charles S. Reader has agreed to a suspension amid a slew of criminal charges.
According to documents, Reader voluntarily agreed to the suspension effective immediately. Previously, Ohio Auditor Keith Faber sought Reader’s suspension through the Ohio Supreme Court. Reader will continue to receive his annual salary during the suspension, which can last up to 260 more days if Reader doesn’t waive his right to a speedy trial.
Last week, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office canceled his access to the Ohio Law Enforcement Database (LEADS) and took away his rights to use a county-issued radio in the MARCS network; the radio network the county Sheriff uses to communicate with deputies.
Reader was charged nearly two weeks ago with sixteen criminal charges, eight felonies and eight misdemeanors alleging he borrowed money from employees and used his position to secure vehicles at auctions for family and friends. He pled not guilty at his arraignment on July 2.
The three-panel county commission will appoint an interim Sheriff. As of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, that has not taken place.
