In its Sept. 9 letter to Miami Twp. trustees, Administrator Chris Snyder and Matthews, the AGO said it found strong proof supporting two allegations: Matthews entered into unauthorized agreements to purchase and store $9.4 million in gold coins, and withdrew $9.7 million from the township’s STAR Ohio investment account to initiate wire transfers to coin vendors, actions taken without approval from the board of trustees or the township’s Investment Oversight Committee.
The AGO said that under Ohio law, township fiscal officers are limited to clerical duties, such as maintaining accurate records of meetings, accounts, and financial transactions.
Fiscal officers are prohibited from disbursing township funds unless authorized by at least two trustees and countersigned by the fiscal officer.
Matthews’ unilateral attempt to spend township money and incur a little more than $382,000 in transaction fees was deemed a violation of Ohio law.
However, the AGO said it did not have enough evidence to support a third allegation, that Matthews attempted to fire the township’s finance director without proper authority.
The Attorney General’s Office said that under Ohio law, it has 45 days from when it sent notice that it has found clear and convincing evidence supporting an allegation to start removal proceedings by filing a complaint in Montgomery County’s Common Pleas Court, which in this case would be Oct. 24.
While the law gives the AGO the ability to settle the issue instead of removing Matthews, having that option available does not imply that it intends to go that route, AGO deputy press secretary Dominic Binkley told this news outlet.
Reached by the Dayton Daily News, Matthews said, “I will try to work with the attorney general to negotiate something.”
The controversy began in March, when Matthews allegedly initiated the gold coin transactions. Township officials filed a formal complaint in April, accusing him of violating state law.
In June, a judge issued a preliminary injunction barring Matthews from making financial decisions or terminating staff.
On Aug. 5, the Ohio Auditor of State (AOS) released its findings, concluding that Matthews’ actions were unauthorized and recommending his removal.
The AGO agreed with the AOS’s assessment in a letter dated Aug. 7.
“The township, auditor, and now attorney general have all determined Bob Matthews’ actions were a serious violation of his obligations of office and the public trust,” said Miami Twp. trustee President Terry Posey Jr.. “He admitted he intentionally took these actions despite being advised they were illegal or unauthorized. I hope this concludes quickly and appropriately.”
Trustee Vice President Doug Barry said, “I think it’s unfortunate for Mr. Matthews, and unfortunate that the township’s having to go through this, but I think it showed that we had the safeguards in place to protect taxpayers’ money, and they all worked.”
Trustee Don Culp and township Administrator Chris Snyder declined to comment.
Matthews is one of three candidates vying for two available spots on the Miami Twp. Board of Trustees this November. He was elected in November 2023 as fiscal officer and took office in April 2024.
According to Ohio law, if a township fiscal officer is removed from office, his or her job ends immediately and someone else would take over. In addition, that person cannot hold any public office for four years.
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