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The township alleges that while an employee Barone “materially misrepresented his credentials to the township, and the township staff, and in so doing defrauded the township and misappropriated taxpayer funds,” according to the release.
According to the township’s complaint filed Sept. 22 in Greene County Common Pleas Court, Barone claimed on his application to the township that he graduated from Youngstown State University. According to documents on file with the court, the township requested proof from YSU, and the university responded, stating Barone attended the university but did not graduate.
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Barone, 49, currently is employed as an accountant for the city of Grandview Heights in Franklin County.
Attempts to reach him by phone and email have been unsuccessful. There is no attorney listed on record with the court to represent Barone in the lawsuit.
The township’s complaint is for fraud, civil theft and unjust enrichment and is seeking redress in the amount of $25,000, according to online court records.
Prior to filing the lawsuit, township officials attempted to settle the dispute with Barone but was unsuccessful: To “resolve the matter would have resulted in the repayment of funds obtained by Mr. Barone during his employment,” according to the release.
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This news organization has requested more details from the township on Barone’s employment.
Barone was one of two employees, the other payable/payroll tech Deb White, whose salaries and positions became embroiled in a fight between Fiscal Officer Christy Ahrens and township trustees.
The Dayton Daily News I-Team Payroll Project showed Barone in 2016 had a base salary of $53,072 and a gross income of $72,693.
Trustees voted to significantly cut Barone’s and White’s salaries. Ahrens subsequently filed a complaint in May 2016 against the trustees with the Ohio Supreme Court.
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A decision is pending in the case.
Barone made headlines in 2012 and 2013, when he was disciplined by the township for what was deemed an inappropriate text to another employee. Barone subsequently filed a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, alleging he was discriminated against because of his sexual orientation.
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The commission did not find evidence that Barone’s civil rights had been violated.
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