By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Ohio Auditor of State Office released a list of Audit Reports on Tuesday, October 8th. One of these reports was a financial audit for Sylvania Township that included a finding for recovery against former Delta Police Chief Robert Austin. The recovery found against Austin is set at $69,698.48.
“COLUMBUS – A finding for recovery of $69,698.48 was issued Tuesday against a former Sylvania Township police officer, who improperly added a second wife to his township health insurance coverage”, the statement began.
“The finding against Robert Austin was included in an audit of the Sylvania Township’s finances from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023. The full report is available online at. https://ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx”
“Auditors confirmed that Austin was married in Las Vegas in November 2014, while he was employed by the Sylvania Township Police Department. However, he was still legally married to another woman until May of 2015, making the November 2014 nuptials invalid.”
“Still, Austin requested and was approved for a change in township health insurance to add the second woman as his spouse for coverage.
Sylvania Township paid $134,862.16 for employee plus spouse coverage from Jan. 1, 2016, through May 2, 2023, though the second woman was not eligible for the health insurance plan.”
“Austin was eligible for coverage only for himself, leading to an overpayment of $69,698.48 in premiums by the township. Austin resigned from his position with the Sylvania Township Police Department in May 2023.”
The report mentioned in the statement includes additional information. “We have reviewed the Independent Auditor’s Report of Sylvania Township, Lucas County prepared by Julian & Grube, Inc., for the audit period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. Based upon this review, we have accepted these reports in lieu of the audit required by Section 117.11, Revised Code.”
“The Auditor of State did not audit the accompanying financial statements and, accordingly, we are unable to express, and do not express an opinion on them.”
“In conjunction with the work performed by the Independent Public Accountant, the Auditor of State is issuing the following.”
“Robert Austin was employed with the Sylvania Township Police Department. Mr. Austin requested and was approved for a change in health insurance coverage from Single to Employee plus Spouse beginning January 1, 2016.
Mr. Austin was married in Las Vegas in November of 2014; however, he was still legally married to his first wife until May of 2015, therefore making his November 2014 marriage invalid under law.
Mr. Austin’s second wife was on his Township health insurance plan from January 1, 2016 through May 2, 2023, when he resigned.”
“Sylvania Township’s health insurance plan is only available to legal spouses and dependents of the employee. Mr. Austin’s second wife was not a legal spouse and therefore not entitled to health insurance under the Township’s health insurance plan.
Sylvania Township paid a total of $134,862.16 for Employee plus Spouse premiums and health savings contributions from January 1, 2016 through May 2, 2023.”
“Since the second spouse was not eligible for the health insurance plan, the Township should have only paid $65,163.68 for Single premiums and health savings contributions from January 1, 2016, through May 2, 2023, resulting in an overpayment of $69,698.48.”
“In accordance with the foregoing facts and pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code § 117.28, a Finding for Recovery for public monies illegally expended is hereby issued against Robert Austin, in the amount of $69,698.48, and in favor of Sylvania Township’s Police Fund in the amount of $69,698.48.”
“Our review was made in reference to the applicable sections of legislative criteria, as reflected by the Ohio Constitution, and the Revised Code, policies, procedures and guidelines of the Auditor of State, regulations and grant requirements. Sylvania Township is responsible for compliance with these laws and regulations.”
Austin served as the police chief in Delta until this past May when he resigned. A statement was released by the Village of Delta back on May 14th, 2024 pertaing to the case.
“Recently, Delta Administrator Andy Glenn” (former administrator) “received concerning information about Police Chief Robert Austin from a reporter. According to news reports, Chief Austin allegedly was married to two women at the same time in 2014, and misrepresented information on benefit forms with a former employer.”
“We expect everyone who works for Delta to follow the law and that expectation is even higher for a police chief. After we questioned Robert about these allegations, he submitted his resignation.”
“We’ve reported what we know to the Auditor of State and the Lucas County Prosecutor. We will fully cooperate with all investigations into his actions.”
“Until we identify a new person to lead our police department, Sgt. Drew Walker will serve as acting police chief.”