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THE SEAL OF THE AUDITOR OF STATE OF OHIO

Press Release Ohio Auditor of State

Findings for Recovery of More Than $13,000, Partially Repaid Under Audit, Issued Against Former Bethel Township Fiscal Officer, Others

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

COLUMBUS — Findings for recovery totaling $13,420.42 were issued Tuesday against the former fiscal officer and other employees of Bethel Township in Miami County over late fees, vacation leave overpayments, and other issues.

The findings were included in an audit of the township’s finances from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023. The full report is available online at ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.

Among other issues identified during the audit:

  • A finding for recovery of $5,000 was issued against former Fiscal Officer Deborah Watson and her bonding company after she was paid two bonuses connected to her part-time work as an emergency medical technician for the township. In both cases, she did not meet the requirements to receive the bonus payments.

  • A finding for recovery of $2,121.80 was issued against former employee James Ehrhart, who was overpaid for accumulated vacation leave. Watson and her bonding company are jointly and severally liable for the total.

  • A finding for recovery of $1,400 was issued against employee William Mannheim after he paid the incorrect rate for health insurance coverage in 2022-2023. Watson and her bonding company are jointly and severally liable for the total.

  • A finding for recovery totaling $3,525 was issued against several employees who received incorrect cell phone reimbursements. The findings included $1,425 against Michael Arnold, $1,300 against Watson, and $800 against Ehrhart. Watson and her bonding company are also jointly and severally liable for the findings against Arnold and Ehrhart.

  • A finding for recovery of $1,373.62 was issued against Watson over late fees, penalties and interest that were charged due to late tax payments. Watson repaid the total under audit.

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The Auditor of State’s Office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.

Public Affairs
Contact: Marc Kovac
press@ohioauditor.gov