Akron City Councilman Bob Hoch has been indicted by a Summit County grand jury on conflict of interest charges.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office following an ethics complaint filed more than a year ago.
Hoch is accused of voting on legislation related to the city Fire Department where his two sons work.
The indictment was handed up Thursday. Each of the counts is a first-degree misdemeanor that carries a maximum six-month jail sentence.
The charges relate to instances in 2012 and March 2014 through November 2015.
The indictment alleges Hoch “did at least recklessly, use… or influence (the) public official’s office or employment to secure something of value for a family member.”
Hoch could not be immediately reached for comment.
Hoch’s Ward 6 covers the city’s Ellet neighborhood. Hoch has been on council since 2012.
Since joining the council, Hoch has verbally battled with city officials, most notably former Mayor Don Plusquellic.
The Ohio Ethics Commission investigated Hoch earlier this year and forwarded the case to the Attorney General’s Office for consideration of an indictment.
Hoch had been especially outspoken about a long-pending promotions lawsuit filed by firefighters against the city.
Summit County grand jury indictment by WKYC.com on Scribd