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Judge sentences Rohr to 9 years for embezzling $1.8 million from his church, Hartville Homes
By Marilyn Miller
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Thursday, Sep 25, 2008
A former chief financial officer of Hartville Homes, who admitted embezzling nearly $2 million from nonprofit agencies, has been sentenced to nine years in prison.
Sporting a crew cut and wearing a light gray business suit for his sentencing in Stark County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, Craig Rohr said he was sorry for his actions and promised to make restitution.
''I apologize,'' he said in a courtroom filled mostly with representatives from Hartville Homes, an operator of group residences for disabled people and the primary target of his embezzlement. '' . . . It shouldn't have happened. . . . I want to make it right.''
Rohr of Tuscarawas Township pleaded guilty last month to charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, money laundering, misuse of credit cards and aggravated theft.
Assistant Stark County Prosecutor Fred Scott said Rohr abused his authority as chief financial officer when he wrote checks totaling $1.7 million on Hartville Homes accounts and funneled the money through businesses that he owned or had a controlling interest in.
Those businesses included the now-defunct Falls Consumer Credit, which provided counseling and repayment plans for consumers with credit card debt, and Rohr's Billing and Specialty Services.
''You are guilty of very serious crimes,'' Judge John Haas said. ''The reality in this case is that from Jan. 1, 2001 through December 2007, not just once or 10 times, but on many, many occasions you made a conscious decision to steal money and wrote checks on behalf of your own benefit.
''Hartville Homes is not just a name or corporate entity — it's people. Many who didn't have a say or voice, but who rely on people such as you. About 100 individuals were let down by you.''
The judge told Rohr that he also caused anguish to his parish, St. Barbara Catholic Church in Massillon, where he was a member and parish financial adviser.
Haas said Rohr stole $1,702,000 in cash and property, and $104,600 in credit card debt from Hartville Homes and $21,937 from St. Barbara's rental property clients.
Jeffrey Haupt, the attorney for Rohr, said his client has already paid $220,000 in restitution.
Speaking on Rohr's behalf were his wife, Kristine M. Rohr, and mother Janice.
Janice Rohr told the judge that her son was ''an excellent husband and a wonderful father who helps anyone he can.''
Norman Wengerd, the CEO of Hartville Homes in Jackson Township, also spoke. He accused Rohr of taking advantage of the agency and its residents while using the money ''for personal gain to live a lavish lifestyle.''
Some of the money Rohr stole was used to take vacations and purchase two Mercedes Benz vehicles.
''He gave the appearance that the organization was financially solvent and funds were available to construct three facilities,'' Wengerd said. ''His actions were deceptive, methodical and calculating.''
Wengerd said Rohr left the organization with a $5 million tax debt.
''He threatened our financial integrity,'' Wengerd said.
Rohr will not be eligible for parole for at least five years. After sentencing he took off his suit jacket and placed his hands behind his back to be handcuffed. As sheriff's deputies escorted him out of the courtroom, his wife said softly, ''Craig, I love you.''
As she walked out of the courtroom, she gave the ''thumbs up'' to the board members of Hartville Homes. ''Is that what you wanted?'' she asked, sniffling, as she dashed out of the courtroom.
Rohr also faces a civil suit brought by Hartville Homes.
Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com.
A former chief financial officer of Hartville Homes, who admitted embezzling nearly $2 million from nonprofit agencies, has been sentenced to nine years in prison.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Akron, OH
Posted 09:04 AM, 09/25/2008
Rohr was a' lyin'.
Tallmadge , OH
Posted 12:03 PM, 09/25/2008
" As she walked out of the courtroom, she gave the ''thumbs up'' to the board members of Hartville Homes. ''Is that what you wanted?'' she asked, sniffling, as she dashed out of the courtroom." Ummm golly gee Ms. Rohr....what do you think they wanted. They were not driving elaborate stolen property and living the nice life on somebody else's dime ! Some people are so stupid !
akron, oh
Posted 12:16 PM, 09/25/2008
They all want to 'make it right' after they get caught.
Posted 12:17 PM, 09/25/2008
I guess his wife could not stand becoming a p-on again and was showing her snob attitude . A thief is a thief no matter what his profession or position. His wife shows her contempt and she has not been able to come to terms that she is nothing more than anyone else. I wonder if she has seen the floor while looking down her nose???
Posted 03:03 PM, 09/25/2008
Rohr did the crime, and now he can do the time. His wife needs to be quiet. Stealing money in order to live a better life, is nothing to be proud of.
