Court schedules change of plea hearing for former mayor
NEW PHILADELPHIA – Former Uhrichsville Mayor Mark Haney had his theft in office trial delayed this week.
Instead of beginning jury selection today, the court has scheduled a change of plea hearing for March 2 at 11 a.m.
Haney in September pleaded not guilty to four criminal counts after being accused of using city credit cards on personal purchases and improperly receiving reimbursements for meals, mileage and other purchases, according to the state auditor’s office.
The Tuscarawas County Grand Jury in July indicted Haney for felony theft in office, two felony counts of tampering with records, and a misdemeanor count of receiving unlawful compensation. In a press release, the state auditor’s office says it began an investigation in January 2024 after receiving a complaint.
Haney served one term as Uhrichsville’s mayor. He was defeated in the 2023 democratic primary by current mayor Jim Zucal.
The case is in the courtroom of Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court Judge Elizabeth Thomakos. It is being prosecuted by a special prosecutor from the State Auditor’s Office.