Wood County Recorder James Matuszak has been told to cease and desist using his office to support his replacement.
The Ohio Auditor of State sent a letter to Matuszak dated Sept. 27 that stipulated he “may have inappropriately engaged in activities potentially in violation of Ohio law in support of a candidate for county recorder in an election occurring on November 5, 2024.”
Information we have been provided suggests that that you are utilizing Wood County Recorder’s Office letterhead in support of Jeremy Schroeder, which was posted on Facebook. This activity appears to be intended to influence the outcome of the upcoming election, according to the auditor’s office letter.
On Sept. 4, Matuszak shared with media a letter that included the seal of his office proclaiming he endorsed Schroeder to replace him.
Revised Code stipulates that “no person shall knowingly conduct a direct or indirect transaction of public funds to the benefit of … [a] candidate.”
The auditor’s office also disapproved the fact that Schroeder was invited to tour the recorder’s office during hours that the office was open and employees were present.
“This meeting could be interpreted as influencing the outcome of the election among the staff and/or to gain information that could be used by candidate Schroeder to influence the outcome of the election,” according to the auditor’s letter.
In April, Matuszak invited Schroeder, a Democrat, and Republican Conner Rose to tour his office and ask questions about its complexities.
On Schroeder accepted the offer, and on Sept. 4, Matuszak announced his endorsement.
“We have not confirmed the accuracy of these allegations. Please be aware that if they are true, the activity needs to cease and desist immediately; we request that you take immediate steps to examine these and any ongoing practices and ensure all activities are in full compliance with Ohio law.”
All information relative to this matter is being forwarded to auditor of state regional staff for review in the next regular audit of the county.
Matuszak did respond to a message left on his cell phone and was unavailable for calls to his office.
