The dispute over Scioto Township trustee Cory Wasmus’ media interview has prompted complaints seeking investigations and possible removal proceedings. The Pickaway County prosecutor’s office concluded that Wasmus did not violate Ohio law by giving the interview inside the township building, according to township legal counsel, as reported by ABC 6 On Your Side. Wasmus told trustees he intends to remain in office.
What the complaints allege
The complaints followed Wasmus’ interview with ABC 6 inside the township building in early October. The complainants alleged that the interview violated Ohio Revised Code 511.03 because the building was under the trustees’ control and the full board had not approved it. They sought investigations and possible removal proceedings. ABC 6 reported that one complaint was also sent to the county prosecutor’s office.
Trustees discussed the complaints with their legal counsel in executive session. Counsel said no township policy barred interviews in that space and relayed the prosecutor’s conclusion on the state-law question. The prosecutor’s office also told a complainant it could not remove an elected official, ABC 6 reported. The complainants had not responded to the outlet’s inquiry.
The removal process
Ohio Revised Code Section 3.08 sets out a procedure for removing public officers on grounds listed in Section 3.07. It requires a written or printed complaint stating the charge and signed by qualified electors of the relevant state or political subdivision. The statute is available through the Ohio Revised Code.
A separate Ohio removal case
A 2021 filing with the Supreme Court of Ohio Clerk of Court recounts a separate 2019 case in which Liberty Township residents sought trustee Michael Gemperline’s removal amid a dispute over emergency medical services. That action was dismissed by stipulation the month after it was filed, after a hearing had begun; it involved different allegations from the Scioto Township complaints.
At his first trustees meeting since the disputes arose, Wasmus said he had considered leaving office and discussed the decision with his family. He described the controversies as a distraction from his work and said he plans to continue serving, ABC 6 reported.
Separate criminal case
Wasmus was arrested during the Oct. 1 public trustees meeting over allegations connected to a Sept. 19 traffic stop involving motorcyclists. WOSU reported that he faces charges including obstructing official business, failure to comply with a police officer’s order, resisting or interfering with an official, and driving at a slow speed. The Circleville Herald, citing Franklin County Municipal Court records, reported two offenses: resisting or interfering with an official under Ohio Revised Code 4513.36 and slow speed under Section 4511.22.
The Village of Harrisburg police chief alleged Wasmus interfered with the traffic stop, according to WOSU. Wasmus has said he believes the arrest was politically motivated. ABC 6 reported that the obstructing official business charge remained unresolved and that Wasmus expected to appear in court on Monday.
