Dover claims former mayor cant appeal judge’s restitution ruling
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (April 11, 2024) – The city of Dover has asked a judge to throw out former Mayor Richard Homrighausen’s appeal and force him to pay the city $106,157.06 in restitution.
Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Ernest in February ordered Homrighausen to reimburse the city that amount for suspension pay and wedding fees he pocketed.
The city’s longest serving mayor was forced out when a jury convicted him of theft in office in 2022. He is appealing that conviction to the Ohio Supreme Court after an unsuccessful appeal in a lower court.
Homrighausen separately is appealing Ernest’s $106,157.06 restitution ruling. That’s $77,802.06 for compensation he received during a suspension and $28,355 “for weddings fees he received under color of office during the time he served as the city’s mayor.”
Dover’s attorneys say he can’t appeal because he hasn’t posted an appeal bond. They also accuse Homrighausen’s lawyers of making a false statement in their notice of appeal. They’re asking Ernest to strike Homrighausen’s appeal and order him to pay the city within 30 days of the court’s order.