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 attended the meeting, writing it was discussed “in Thursday nights [sic] meeting.” According to other sources, including Harrison County Republican Party Chairman John Jones, the meeting took place earlier in the week and was confirmed as Saturday, Feb. 14.

The tip also claimed Jones did not report the theft, but Jones said that was incorrect. It is not clear who made the report, but the matter is under investigation.

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.