Our efforts to obtain a special prosecutor to investigate the admitted illegal activities of Knox County Commissioner Bob Wise have moved several important steps forward this week.  Let me explain.

First, Knox County Common Pleas Court Judge Otho Eyster today recused himself from consideration of this case.  Just days ago he said he would rule on the motion. 

Second, we are slowly and steadily being able to show that it has been the usual and customary practice of the Knox County Prosecutor to request a special prosecutor when his office has such a conflict.  For example, just this week we learned that the former treasurer of the Knox County Republican Party pled guilty to theft in office after an investigation by a special prosecutor.

In 2007 the Knox County Prosecutor requested a special prosecutor to investigate a Hilliar Township Trustee who was accused of theft.  John Thatcher said that it would be a conflict of interest for his office to investigate this case because he represented the Hilliar Township Trustees in their official capacities.

In 2008 the Knox County Prosecutor requested a special prosecutor to investigate the Knox County Sheriff. The Knox County Prosecutor represents the Knox County Sheriff in his official capacity.

Finally, we learned that the Ohio Supreme Court considers county agricultural societies, which runs county fairs, to be political subdivisions.  If that is the case then Wise has clearly violated Ohio law in contracting with the society to provide propane to the county fair.  You can read our court filing here.

Knox County Prosecutor John Thatcher, who represents the Knox County Commissioners in their official capacities, has no business investigating Knox County Commissioner Bob Wise.  This is especially the case because Wise's activities concern his private business dealings with county owned properties among other admitted infractions.