Afterward, board members Fisher, Rob Long and Lance Ray voted to place Ridgeway on paid administrative leave effective immediately. Board member Audrey Gillespie joined the closed discussion by telephone but could not vote because she was not present at the meeting.
Fisher said the leave was being proposed “for the preservation of evidence.”
The Miami County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the investigation. Fisher said the investigation was brought to the board of elections’ attention earlier Tuesday.
Sheriff Dave Duchak said Wednesday that a complaint was referred to his office on Monday, and detectives began an investigation that day. He declined to discuss any details of the complaint received.
Once detectives finish their investigation, the case file will be forwarded to the county prosecutor’s office for review.
“I would emphasize that the allegation is in no way involved with voting, ballots or anything that would affect the integrity of this election, or any past election. It is a no-election-related allegation,” Duchak said.
The elections board also issued a statement following its vote.
“This does not in any way affect any administration of this election or any other elections that we have had,” Fisher said in reading the statement. “The integrity of the election here in Miami County is sound, safe and strong.”
Ridgeway has been with the elections staff since fall 2018. He is being represented by the law firm of Waite, Tomb and Eberly, attorney Jeremy Tomb confirmed following the board meeting.
“My client and I are happy to cooperate with any investigation that may involve him. I look forward to hearing from whoever is running that investigation so we can hopefully get this matter resolved quickly and efficiently,” Tomb said.
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