By Nancy Bowman

Contributing Writer

TROY — A “culture of corruption” permeated the Miami County facilities and maintenance department while it was directed by Jarrod Harrah, a special prosecutor said Tuesday as Harrah appeared in court.

Harrah, 39, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Miami County Common Pleas Court to three felonies stemming from a theft investigation at the department. Harrah, a former Troy councilman who resigned his county position this summer, faces up to nine years in prison when he sentenced next month.

Harrah pleaded guilty to theft in office, tampering with evidence and tampering with records for offenses beginning in March 2010 and continuing through June 1.

Special Prosecutor Andrew Wilson of Clark County said he would recommend time in prison, but suggested concurrent sentences because Harrah has cooperated with investigators. Each felony carries a maximum of three years in prison.

Also Tuesday, Bruce Ball, the former maintenance department team leader, was sentenced to up to five years of community control, a $1,000 fine and five days in the county jail by Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein of Darke County.

Wilson said Ball, who also has resigned and earlier pleaded to felony theft in office, was “a minor player in the whole scheme of theft” in the department. “He got caught up in a culture of corruption,” Wilson said.

Hein said the jail time was appropriate “to deter others” in public positions of trust.

Wilson said following the two hearings Tuesday that three remaining maintenance department employees under investigation won’t face criminal charges, but will face administrative action within the county.

The investigation continues and more charges can be expected against people outside the maintenance department, Wilson said.

Harrah and Ball were suspended without pay by the county commissioners May 29 when the investigation was made public. Three other maintenance employees – Tony Canfarelli, 55; Rob Scherer, 45; and Stan Maitlen II, 48 – were suspended with pay. Maitlen’s resignation was accepted earlier Tuesday by the commissioners.

Commission President John “Bud” O’Brien said Tuesday the commission would have no comment until the cases are concluded.

Ball, 61, an Air Force veteran who was commander of the Troy American Legion at the time the investigation was revealed, apologized before his sentencing.

“I’m very apologetic for my actions and for any embarrassment it brought upon the commissioners, Miami County and the court,” he said.

Harrah looked straight ahead during much of his hearing. He answered questions from the judge, but made no further comment.

With the convictions, Harrah will be banned from holding a public office.

Harrah remains free on his own recognizance.