Shawnee Hills police chief to change plea today

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The former police chief of Shawnee Hills, who is charged with theft in office, will reportedly change his plea in Delaware County Common Pleas Court today.

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, a judgment entry was filed Monday morning by Delaware County Common Pleas Judge David Gormley that stated LeFever would be changing his plea at a hearing today at 9 a.m.

LeFever has previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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. The mayor of Shawnee Hills, Pat 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.

LeFever was originally supposed to stand trial in April but the case was delayed. His attorney, Sam Shamansky, asked the court for more time to prepare.

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 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.

Monahan confirmed in February that LeFever resigned on Jan. 16 and acting police chief Russell Baron was then promoted to police chief.

LeFever
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/06/web1_LeFever-mug-corrected.jpgLeFever Glenn Battishill | The Gazette

By Glenn Battishill

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Glenn Battishill can be reached at 740-413-0903 or on Twitter @BattishillDG.

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