Akron Councilman Bob Hoch was indicted by a Summit County grand jury on conflict of interest charges Thursday.
Over a year ago, the former city administration filed a complaint against Hoch, accusing him of voting on legislation and being outspoken on issues that benefit his two sons, who are firefighters in Akron.
Hoch, 67, was feuding with the administration when it filed the complaint, particularly with former Mayor Don Plusquellic.
The Ohio Ethics Commission investigated Hoch earlier this year and forwarded the case to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which further investigated the complaint over the past couple of months.
The indictment says Hoch “did, at least recklessly, use or authorize the use of authority or influence of the public official’s office or employment to secure something of value for a family member.”
Hoch could not be reached for comment Sunday. Last year he denied there was a conflict of interest, as did City Council President Marilyn Keith.
“I didn’t see a conflict of interest,” Keith said Sunday, noting she and Hoch have both been on the council since 2012.
Each of the three counts against Hoch are first-degree misdemeanors. They pertain to actions taken in June and November of 2012, along with an ongoing alleged conflict between 2014 and 2015.
If convicted, Hoch could potentially serve up to a year and a half in jail and lose his spot on the council.
“From my understanding, if he is convicted, he wouldn’t be able to serve,” Keith said.
Hoch represents Ward 6, which includes the Ellet neighborhood. An Ohio Ethics Commission information sheet says Ohio law prohibits “public officials and public employees from misusing their official positions for their own personal benefit or the benefit of their family members or business associates.”
Theresa Cottom can be reached at 330-996-3216 or tcottom@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @Theresa_Cottom .