Levitt, prominent dermatologist, pleaded guilty in 2001 to a reduced charge of falsifying documents after initially being charged with perjury in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. Levitt, who was not a notary, falsely notarized court documents in which his medical partner understated income in a divorce and child support case.
The conviction was eventually expunged, but Levitt also was placed on three years probation by the State Medical Board of Ohio because of his conviction.
Board President Jim Trent and Kettering businessman Charley Schuerholz are the other two tri-chairmen for the levy campaign. Voters will decide whether to approve a 4.9-mill property tax levy, after a larger levy was rejected in May.
Trent said Levitt has been his doctor for years and added he knew about the conviction before Levitt was asked to help.
“I think he is still very well respected in the community,” Trent said Wednesday, Aug. 25. “(The legal issue) is over with. It’s been settled.”
Superintendent James Schoenlein said was not aware of Levitt’s conviction. But after reviewing the issue, Schoenlein said he supported him.
“Dr. Levitt is a pillar of the community, and everybody makes mistakes every once in a while,” Schoenlein said. “That record has been expunged, and we think he’ll do a great job for us on the levy campaign.”
Levitt said his court case has nothing to do with the levy campaign, adding that he has no say in how levy donations are used.
“All I want is for the levy to pass for the benefit of the school system,” Levitt said. “I live in Kettering. I support education; and I want to keep Kettering on top.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2278 or jkelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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