The trial for the former police chief of Shawnee Hills — who is charged with theft in office — has been postponed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court.
Sean LeFever, 43, of 3070 Essington Drive, Dublin, was originally scheduled to stand trial today in Delaware County Common Pleas Court on four counts of theft in office, which are fifth-degree felonies.
However, on April 28, LeFever’s attorney, Sam Shamansky, filed a motion to continue the trial, saying that he needed more time to work on the case and continue negotiations with prosecutors.
Delaware County Common Pleas Judge David Gormley granted the motion Monday. A new trial date has not been set.
At LeFever’s arraignment, he was represented by one of Shamansky’s partners, Donald Regensburger, who told county Common Pleas Magistrate Anna Franceschelli that LeFever had worked at the village of Shawnee Hills Police Department for 11 years, serving as chief for five years. Regensburger added that since LeFever’s indictment on Dec. 29, LeFever has tendered his resignation.
Franceschelli released LeFever on a recognizance bond but said he faced a $2,000 fine if he violated the terms of his bond. LeFever was also ordered not to have any contact with employees at Shawnee Hills or potential witnesses in the case.
The mayor of Shawnee Hills, Pat Monahan, confirmed in February that LeFever resigned on Jan. 16 and acting police chief Russell Baron was then promoted to police chief.
Prosecutors allege that between May 5, 2014, and June 15, 2015, LeFever received improper compensation and that the charges are related to LeFever’s work-time reporting.
The investigation began last July. Monahan said in August that he allowed LeFever to keep track of his own time because it wasn’t uncommon for him to work from home.
According to the Ohio Revised Code, penalties for fifth-degree felonies include between six and 12 months in prison, a fine of up to $2,500 or a probation period.
