“We look at the individual. We look at their areas that they’re proficient in,” said probation director Melissa Litteral, adding that Schmidt’s assignment was her idea. “He’s giving back to the community by doing that type of work.”
Schmidt’s probation duty has raised eyebrows among some county Republicans who are concerned about perceptions of a cushy landing after Schmidt resigned and pleaded guilty to four misdemeanors in order to avoid more serious felony charges.
“Helping veterans or helping seniors in that fashion would be much more community work than working for a (magistrate),” retiring County Auditor Luwanna Delaney said. “Is working for a judge the correct way to do your community work?”
Clerk of Courts Terri Mazur received an e-mail request from Court Administrator E.J. Griffin for Schmidt to receive access to Courtview, the court’s computer system.
Mazur said Schmidt has access only to the Court of Appeals, civil cases and execution on judgments — the same access anyone would have on the Internet.
“I would think that he does have the skill set needed to do research for the magistrates as he would have many other skills to offer many agencies such as the veterans’ commission,” Mazur said.
Visiting Judge Sumner Walters ordered Schmidt to pay $22,500 in restitution to Greene County and $12,500 to the Ohio Ethics Commission.
Schmidt, who did not return calls for comment, did not receive any jail time and was placed on three years community control, ordered to perform 200 hours of community service and required to pay $3,250 in court fines.
Litteral said the work Schmidt is doing actually saves the county money because law clerks would be paid about $10 per hour.
“There is not a conflict,” Litteral said. “We’re being extremely diligent, like we always are. I think it’s important that you put the person where they have an area of expertise.
“He’s been treated just like any other probationer as far as his conditions.”
Litteral said the magistrates’ office has about 80 hours worth of work that needs to be completed. After that, Schmidt could be reassigned to another government agency or nonprofit for the remainder of his 200 community service hours.
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