Lucas Co GOP investigated by state

DOWNTOWN TOLEDO - An audit released Tuesday by State Auditor Mary Taylor show that at least $3,000 were spent from the Lucas County Republican Party's restricted fund.

Party chairman Jon Stainbrook said he's not happy this happened last year, but the misuse of funds didn't happen on his watch.

"Alleged crimes have been committed and they must be investigated," he said.

In one finding in March 2008 states that legal fees were supposedly paid out to lawyers in defending a suit against the party, the audit report showed.

Another finding in April 2008 showed that more alleged legal fees were paid out for services provided to the county GOP's former executive director Joanne Wack.

Stainbrook said the funds were paid through the restricted fund, which is why there's a big problem here.

"It's called restricted for a reason, because you can only use it for certain things like keeping lights on at the headquarters," Stainbrook said. "Obviously we have to recoup these funds and that's what the situation is. We have to look into possible prosecution and litigation."

The party chairman added that these alleged crimes are upsetting, but believes that the Republican party has been working under a fresh start since he took charge.

"We closed our bank accounts the day I was elected chairman, and moved them to a different bank so we wouldn't have anything to do with this past corruption."

Stainbrook said the next step is figuring out how to pay the money back, and hold the accused responsible.