5 things to know: Sheriff Overmyer indictments
FREMONT - Here are five key facts on Tuesday's local grand jury indictment of Sandusky County Sheriff Kyle Overmyer on 43 charges, including 38 felonies.
What is the sheriff accused of? The state was investigating Overmyer in connection with his collection of drugs from take-back prescription pill boxes from county police departments. But his indictment covers much more, including 12 felony counts of tampering with records and 12 felony counts of deception to obtain a dangerous drug. Overmyer is alleged to have deceived physicians and pharmacists in order to obtain prescription pain medication, including Percocet.
Is Overmyer still the sheriff? Yes. Although a visiting judge ordered him to turn in all of his county equipment, including his badge and guns, and not to have contact with anyone at the sheriff's office as a condition of his $150,000 bond set during arraignment on Wednesday. Overmyer technically is the sheriff until Dec. 31 when his elected term expires. He can be suspended from office by a panel of judges if one is appointed by the state chief justice. Prosecutors are expected to file a motion asking for his suspension on Wednesday.
Who is running the sheriff's office? Chief Deputy Bruce Hirt will assume day-to-day management duties, according to prosecutors, but is scheduled to retire at the end of this week.
Is Overmyer still running for re-election in November? As of this moment, his name will appear on ballots.
Can a sheriff be forced from office? Yes, but he would first have to be convicted of a felony. Otherwise voters would have to elect another candidate or seek an election recall, the latter of which is not likely given his term ends Dec. 31. Independents Jim Consolo and Chris Hilton are opposing Overmyer in November.
Compiled from News-Messenger research.