The Ohio Supreme Court has appointed a special commission to consider removal of a public official from office.

Logan-Hocking Times reported on recent charges

Hocking County Commissioner Jessica Dicken was indicted on Friday morning for alleged wrongdoings while she was the Hocking County Fair Secretary. She is charged with the following:

• Theft, fourth-degree felony
• Theft, fifth-degree felony
• Telecommunications Fraud, third-degree felony
• Election Falsification, fifth-degree felony
• Election Falsification, fifth-degree felony
• Money Laundering, third-degree felony
• Soliciting or Accepting improper Compensation, first-degree misdemeanor

Logan-Hocking Times reached out to Fair Board President Eddie Ogle, who said, “Jess was a huge part of the Fair Board for three years, and is innocent until proven guilty; but if she is found guilty it breaks my heart for the kids and the entire Ag Society and its members.

“She had firsthand experience in the work and effort put in by the Board, and volunteers that so generously donate their time and money. So much work goes into the Fair each year, and it takes a lot of money to operate, and we strive hard to spend money wisely,” he added.

Dicken has been under investigation by the State Auditor’s Office since June, and has come under scrutiny by several members of the community who have asked for her resignation on several occasions during a Commissioners’ meeting.

During a visit with Fair Board Secretary Annika Sheets on June 8, investigators from the State Auditors Office requested bank statements, credit card statements, and treasurer’s reports from November 2021 through the current time; as well as, meeting minutes from May 2022 through current time. In addition, the auditors also requested vendor contracts from the 2022 fair.

“It’s unsettling to read all of the charges from today’s indictment,” Thomas told Logan-Hocking Times. “Whatever the outcome is, my focus remains on looking forward, and with the support of the community doing my best to ensure that the future generations of Hocking County, have a Fair, and Fair Board worth being proud of.”

According to the Clerk of Courts website, Dicken’s arraignment is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Oct. 12.

At the current time, no other information is being released. Logan-Hocking Times will report on any new developments as they occur.