Harrison County Republican Party under investigation for missing funds

An anonymous tip sent to the Harrison News-Herald last week, titled “Theft in office,” alleged someone within the party stole $17,000 and referenced a Thursday meeting — which would have been Feb. 19 — but that date was incorrect.

It is unclear whether the tipster was even at the meeting, describing it only as occurring “in Thursday nights [sic] meeting.” Other sources, including Harrison County Republican Party Chairman John Jones, said the meeting took place earlier in the week — and it has since been confirmed as Saturday, Feb. 14.

The tipster also said Jones did not “report the theft,” but that appears to be incorrect. It remains unclear who made the report, but the matter is now under investigation. Sources indicate the issue may have been known for more than a week.

The tip did not name anyone, though it referred to a specific person. No other source named anyone as being involved in wrongdoing. A second anonymous source confirmed the issue was discussed at the meeting. The original tipster did not respond to multiple requests for more information sent by return email.

“Whoever the anonymous tip was, maybe since they have so much information, maybe they should have told you the whole story, OK?” Jones said. “It’s under legal advisement, and I have no comments to make right now.”

Harrison County Prosecutor Lauren Knight confirmed the matter is under investigation and said it was first referred to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.

“So, it’s been referred for investigation to a law enforcement agency,” Knight said.

Knight said she could not comment on whether anything was taken or provide further information until the investigation is complete. She also did not name anyone as being under investigation.

The sheriff’s office confirmed the case was reported Feb. 18 at 8:30 a.m. The office has requested assistance from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, an arm of the Ohio attorney general’s office.