Richland Co. fire chief pleads guilty to felony tampering with records and theft in office

RICHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — A Richland County fire chief has pleaded guilty to felony tampering with records and theft in office.

The announcement was made by the Ohio Auditor’s Office. According to state investigators, Matthew Wells, the fire chief for the Crestline Fire Department, reportedly admitted to the crimes.

The illegal actions were discovered during an investigation by the Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The SIU determined that Wells was employed by the Ohio Department of Education, the Springfield Township Fire Department in Richland County, and the Pleasant Township Fire Department in Marion County. Wells reportedly claimed the same work hours for two agencies simultaneously.

As part of a deal, Wells agreed to pay back $26,384. He will also be barred from any employment in the public sector.