A Bloom Township Trustee has been indicted for theft in office.

The case against Ronald Rawlins, 52, of South Webster, was submitted to the Scioto County Grand Jury which resulted in an indictment warrant being filed against him.

Scioto County Sheriff Marty V. Donini said detectives from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office have been actively investigating the case involving theft in office from Bloom Township.

Donini said his office received a report on March 5, stating that township officials had reason to believe that a theft was occurring involving one of the elected trustees.

Donini said detectives began an ongoing investigation which included going over old records, watching surveillance videos and observing the suspect. Detectives were able to complete the case and submit it to the Scioto County Grand Jury which resulted in an indictment warrant being filed for the suspect.

Donini said his office received the warrant on Wednesday and contacted the Pike County Sheriff’s Office which assisted in picking up the suspect who was at work in Pike County.

Rawlins has been charged with two counts of theft in office, a felony of the fourth degree. Rawlins is being held without bond and will appear in Common Pleas court on a later date.

Donini said the quick indictment and arrest was a result of the joint effort between the Scioto County detectives, prosecutor's office, Pike County Sheriff’s Office and the Bloom Township trustees.

Donini said anyone with information concerning the theft can contact Detective Jodi Conkel at (740) 351-1091. He said all calls will remain anonymous.

FRANK LEWIS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232 or flewis@heartlandpublications.com