The accusations against Jeff Melton have never been heard by News Center 7 until now. He appeared in court with his attorney John Rion who said, “We’ve looked a lot into this case.”
Melton is 38-years-old and is no longer a employed by the Sugarcreek Township Fire Department. News Center 7 was told that he resigned from his job over the summer, not long after being accused of falsifying documents.
Rion said, “I think in the end in the final audit, they will owe him money.”
Melton’s attorney said his clients is not guilty of the theft in office and tampering with evidence charges that a grand jury had indicted him on.
Rion said, “They were most happy with him, certainly performing the highest quality, while writing the largest grant in the state. You must have something going for you.”
Sugarcreek Township official have also said that Melton falsely claimed overtime for shifts worked by others, and misrepresented himself by claiming that he had mandatory fire certifications he did not.
The township is seeking $12,000 in restitution, plus $300,000 in compensation officials said he received because he was improperly certified.
News Center 7 talked with the Sugarcreek Township administrator and he said the case will stand on its own merit.
Melton remains out of jail on bond. A pre-trial has been set for Dec. 10.