CHARDON, Ohio — The former mayor of Highland Heights Thursday pleaded guilty to grand theft charges, admitting he embezzled money from a United States congressman's campaign.
Scott E. Coleman resigned back in February following accusations he had stolen more than $80,000 from "Friends of Dave Joyce," the campaign committee representing Rep. Dave Joyce of Ohio's 14th district. Coleman had served as treasurer of the campaign, and the theft apparently took place over a three-year period beginning in 2015.
The allegations first came to light following a complaint to the Federal Election Commission by the campaign. The Geauga County Prosecutor's Office (ironically once led by Joyce himself) later launched an investigation, prompting Coleman's resignation from the mayor's office.
Coleman pleaded to the fourth degree felony charge of grand theft, meaning he faces up to a year and a half in prison. He will be sentenced at a later date.
After the allegations were made public, the Ohio Democratic Party called for "a full and independent investigation" into Joyce's "campaign finance shenanigans," noting a prior ethics complaint filed against Joyce's Chief of Staff Dino Disanto. Joyce has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and the campaign stated back in February that it was "committed to working with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are held to account."
Coleman had served as Mayor of Highland Heights for 15 years prior to leaving. City Council President Chuck Brunello Jr. was sworn in to replace him, and is now currently running for a full term. He will be opposed by fellow former City Council President Scott Andrew Mills.
