Rion Helps Clear Former Trustee of Theft and Forgery Charges

URBANA, Ohio, Jan. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Brad K. Zerkle, former Mad River Township trustee, was found not guilty today after proceedings in the trial which began Monday. Zerkle was represented by Jon Paul Rion of Dayton law firm Rion, Rion & Rion.

Zerkle was elected in 2009 and served through 2013. Zerkle was indicted by the township in April 2013 on two counts of theft in office and forgery. The grand jury contended that Zerkle stole township gas, used township money for medical insurance reimbursement, and forged proof of insurance in 2010.

Visiting judge David Faulkner dismissed the charge of gas theft on Wednesday.

Regarding insurance reimbursement, the Ohio Attorney General contended Zerkle wrongfully took $852.02 from Mad River Township in 2010, and that he did so by claiming to be on a more expensive health insurance plan than he actually was—thus receiving a higher monthly reimbursement from the township. Zerkle's wife Darlene Zerkle took the stand Wednesday and said the family changed plans to ensure her surgery would be covered.

Concerning forgery charges, the Attorney General claimed that Zerkle forged a proof of insurance letter to the township. Experts who analyzed the letter could not say for sure that it was not the signature of Zerkle's benefits coordinator from Castelline, thereby dismissing charges against Zerkle.

Rion stated that the evidence of Zerkle's innocence was clear. "This was not a close call," Rion said. "[The jury] knew before they entered the room that Brad Zerkle was innocent and that the evidence actually pointed to innocence."  

Zerkle plans to run for election in the future and hopes to resume his political career.

About Rion, Rion & Rion L.P.A., Inc.

Jon Paul, and his father, John H. Rion, specialize in criminal defense, federal crimes, personal injury, family, and probate law. Operating out of Dayton, Ohio, the firm has offered the Dayton and surrounding counties legal services for 75 years. "No greater honor is known to me than to be able to speak and give voice for another in their time of trial," says Jon Paul Rion.

Rion, Rion & Rion consistently receives the highest rating from Martindale Hubble and continues to be the best attorneys in Dayton, Ohio.

SOURCE Rion, Rion & Rion L.P.A., Inc.

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