ATHENS, OHIO: The former mayor of a small town in Southeast Ohio must pay back more than $19,000 after pleading guilty to theft in office.
A judge in Athens County also ordered that the former mayor of Jacksonville can never hold public office again.
The Athens Messenger reports that George Pallo apologized in court on Friday.
Pallo stepped down from his office two weeks ago after serving as mayor for more than 30 years.
Authorities say he deposited money designated for the village into a fire fund and used some of the money for personal use.
They say he also opened a credit card in the village’s name without authorization and bought a lawn mower.
