HILLSBORO, Ohio — The former fiscal officer for the Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District in Highland County pleaded guilty Monday to two misdemeanor charges stemming from his improper use of a district credit card and failure to remit payroll withholdings, which led to significant penalties.
James Barrett admitted to dereliction of duty and misuse of a credit card during an appearance in Highland County Court. Under a plea agreement, he will pay $35,719.25 in restitution and is barred from public sector employment for four years, or until full restitution is made.
The case began when Highland County Prosecutor Anneka P. Collins filed a complaint with the Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), alleging Barrett had used the district’s credit card for personal purchases. An SIU investigation confirmed that Barrett had subscribed to two online services, incurring monthly fees—one for over five years—using district funds. Additionally, Barrett’s failure to properly remit payroll withholdings resulted in the district incurring more than $32,900 in penalties and interest.
“Since 2019, the Special Investigations Unit has assisted in 131 convictions resulting in more than $13 million in restitution,” the Auditor of State’s office noted, referencing a map of SIU convictions since January 2019. The unit, which receives hundreds of fraud tips annually, encourages the public to report suspected fraud anonymously online or via its hotline at 866-FRAUD-OH (866-372-8364).