Wade may not face criminal charges in insurance case

The special prosecutor doesn’t recommend the charges, but the ethics inquiry continues.

COLUMBUS — An ethics review involving Clearcreek Twp. Trustee Ed Wade continues despite a special prosecutor’s recommendation against pursuing criminal charges, the chief investigative attorney for the Ohio Ethics Commission said on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

“At this point, it’s still ongoing,” said ethics attorney Paul Nick.

For more than a year, the state ethics commission has been reviewing whether Wade’s insurance agency’s administration of the township government’s health insurance claims violated state law.

In October 2008, state auditors made findings against Wade in connection with about $1.2 million in health insurance coverage provided to the township government administered by Wade’s agency.

However, private attorneys had advised the township that the agency could administer the claims without violating Ohio law.

This week, Clinton County Prosecutor Richard Moyer — appointed because Warren County prosecutors represent the township — recommended not pursuing criminal charges.

Wade still faces a public reprimand, Nick said.

Wade, a trustee since 1977, was re-elected in November.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2261 or lbudd@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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