The Ohio Auditor’s Office said Monday that Bridgeport Mayor David W. Smith was indicted last week on one count of tampering with records, one count of theft in office and two counts of conflict of interest.

Smith took office as mayor in November 2015. Between June 2016 and November 2019, while serving in the Mayor’s Court, Smith allegedly removed both cash payments and corresponding traffic tickets waiting to be processed for his personal gain. It is believed that the losses to the Village are greater than $20,000.

Furthermore, the misdemeanor charges are related to Smith’s alleged use of an employee of the Village to handle his personal errands, including childcare and banking while on Village time.

Smith will be arraigned Thursday in Belmont County. Auditor Keith Faber’s office was appointed special prosecutor for the case.

Officeholders indicted for felony charges may be subject to suspension from office while the criminal case is pending.