Former Meigs County Sheriff Indicted

Editor’s Note: All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. An indictment is one part of the legal process. It is not a conviction.

POMEROY, Ohio- The grand jury met today February 8, 2023 in Meigs County Common Pleas Court, and indicted former Sheriff Keith O. Wood on five charges.

Wood was indicted on one count each of THEFT IN OFFICE , a felony of the fourth degree, TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD, a felony of the fourth degree, MISUSE OF CREDIT CARDS, a felony of the fifth degree, MISUSE OF CREDIT CARDS, a misdemeanor of the first degree, and SOLICITING OR ACCEPTING IMPROPER COMPENSATION, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Sheriff Scott fitch released a statement concerning the inditement.

“The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office would like to ensure the citizens of Meis County that the indictment of the former Sheriff will not affect the mission, goals, or daily operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

We are committed to serving the citizens with the highest level of service and will continue to make Meigs County safer and a great place to live.

The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office will continue to be fully transparent and cooperate with the Ohio Auditors Office and assist them in anyway with their investigation. The Auditor’s Office has been given full access to all financial and other documents pertaining to their investigation, as well as making all employees accessible for making statements, Fitch stated.

Fitch also stated that he has implemented many new safeguards internally and with our financial institution partners to eliminate the likelihood of this happening again.

Please forward all questions or concerns to the Ohio Auditor’s Office.”
Sheriff Scott Fitch

Meigs County Commissioner Jimmy Will stated “I’m not surprised, it’s just a really disappointing time for our county. We have a new Sheriff now and the safety and security is the top priority for our residents and I stand behind our new sheriff and deputies. While no one individual is above the law all suspects are innocent until proven guilty. We will endeavor to persevere in the commissioners office.”

The MIP will continue to update and follow the story.