Hearing set for Nov. 13 for Joe Trolian, head of mental health board, on 'neglect of duty' allegations

A hearing into administrative "neglect of duty" allegations against Joe Trolian, executive director of the Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board will be 5:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the agency, 87 E. First St.

The hearing was announced Monday night after an executive session during a special board meeting at the agency.

The board also voted to retain attorney David Smith at $210 per hour to prepare and present the board's case during the upcoming hearing.

Formal administrative charges were filed Nov. 1 against Trolian for alleged neglect of duty and violation of Ohio Ethics Law.

Trolian is accused of paying thousands of dollars from the agency to his wife Christy Ellis-Trolian's company, The Change Companies of Carson City, Nevada, for training, treatment services and books, all in violation of Ohio law.

The mental health agency held an early morning session Nov. 1 and placed the executive director on paid administrative leave, Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero said earlier.

Board chair Susan Bemiller said there would be "written charges against executive director J. Trolian for neglect of duty, in violation (Ohio Revised Code) 2921.42A1 and (ORC) 2921.42A4 and Ohio Ethics Law."

ORC 2921.42A1 states no public official shall knowingly do any of the folllowing: "Authorize, or employ the authority or influence of the public official's office to secure authorization of any public contract in which the public official, a member of the public official's family, or any of the public official's business associates has an interest."

Trolian is also accused of violating ORC 2921.42A4, "Have an interest in the profits or benefits of a public contract entered into by or for the use of the political subdivision or governmental agency or instrumentality with which the public official is connected;"

Earlier, Bemiller said under Trolian's contract the board is required to issue written charges in order to have a hearing on them. "And that is his opportunity to share his side," she said.

Interim executive director Sherry Branham-Fonner said on Tuesday, "The staff and I are working diligently and will continue to do what's in the best interest of the Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services board, the board of directors and the people we serve."

Commissioners accepted resignation of board member in October

Richland County Commissioners on Oct. 24 voted to accept the resignation of J.D. Wachs, Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services board member, who they allege was financially benefiting from public monies, in violation of Ohio law.

"This is quite problematic as a sitting board member with additional records that indicate you personally voted on said monies to enrich yourself," Commissioner Tony Vero said in an email Oct. 23 to Wachs. "Additionally, we also (are) in receipt of payments comprised of public dollars that you also personally approved as a board member to an organization known as Gravity Ohio."

In an interview with the News Journal Oct. 24, Wachs said he was unaware of any violations.

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Hearing set for mental health board leader in 'neglect of duty' case