Former Uhrichsville mayor pleads guilty, avoids permanent ban from public office
NEW PHILADELPHIA – Uhrichsville’s former mayor will be barred from serving in public office for seven years but avoided a permanent ban by pleading guilty to lesser charges eight months after the Tuscarawas County Grand Jury indicted him for theft in office.
Mark Haney, who was Uhrichsville’s mayor from 2019 to 2024, pleaded guilty this week to theft and soliciting improper compensation. Judge Michael Ernest will sentence Haney on May 18.
The improper compensation charge carries a 7-year ban from public office. However, the initial charge of “theft in office” carried a permanent ban. Prosecutors reduced that charge to “theft” and dismissed two tampering with records charges in the plea deal.
The state auditor’s office in July of last year announced the Grand Jury Indictment against Haney. The Auditor’s Special Investigations Unit claimed Haney as mayor improperly received reimbursements for meals, mileage, and other purchases and had used city credit cards on personal purchases.
The auditor’s office says the special prosecutor is seeking restitution for the amount stolen and audit costs.
A representative for Haney’s attorney said they have no comment.