Former sheriff sentenced on theft in office charge

POMEROY, Ohio – Ohio former Meigs County Sheriff Keith O. Wood was back in court today to change his plea and sentencing.

Wood had previously been arraigned in front of Judge Scott W. Nesbaum in March on charges of Theft in Office felony fourth degree, Telecommunications Fraud felony fourth degree, Misuse of Credit Cards felony fifth degree, Misuse of Credit Cards misdemeanor first degree, Soliciting or Accepting Improper Compensation misdemeanor first degree.

Today, Wood entered a Alford Plea on the charge of Theft in Office. An alford plea is a guilty plea in which a defendant maintains their innocence but admits that the prosecution’s evidence would likely result in a guilty verdict if brought to trial. The remaining charges were dismissed in an agreement with the state.

Judge Nesbaum accepted the plea agreement and ordered that Wood be placed on three years of comunity control, 100 hours of community service, pay restitution totaling $5,000 plus costs.

Wood had previously paid $4,194.21 prior to proceedings, leaving an audit cost of $805.79 plus court costs. Wood also had his certification as a peace officer revoked.

Wood was present in the court room with his council Robert Toy, the State was represented by Thomas Anger, Special Prosecutor from the Ohio State Attorney General’s Office.