PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — The Pike County Commissioners have filed a civil lawsuit against their now-convicted felon and former Sheriff, Charles S. Reader.
The lawsuit was filed in Pike County Court of Common Pleas and seeks to recover nearly $130,000. The money, according to the lawsuit, stems from the salary and retirement compensation Reader received while he was suspended from office and awaiting trial on corruption charges. He is currently serving a sentence of three years in prison after pleading guilty to theft in office and tampering with evidence earlier this year. During Reader’s time as sheriff, he presided over the investigation into the “Pike County massacre,” which resulted in the death of eight members of one family.
According to Ohio’s law, Reader had an option when he was charged in 2019: serve a “suspension” and receive pay until the outcome of his trial, or, voluntarily resign from office. The former, if convicted, could require the Sheriff to pay back any monies he received while serving the suspension if the county chose to recover the checks.
In 2018, a similar case was settled in Athens County, when their former Sheriff, Pat Kelley was convicted of theft charges, as well. In that case, Athens County wanted about $85,000 in reparations in relation to the salaries and benefits Kelly was receiving while he was suspended. In the end, the county settled the case out of court.
In Reader’s latest court battle, Pike County Prosecutor Rob Junk is representing the commissioners. In the lawsuit filing, Junk wrote that nearly $80,000 was salary Reader received, $36,000 was for medical insurance, and almost $15,000 in retirement matches.
The case will be set for a trial later this year.