ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont County’s former transportation improvement fiscal manager has been indicted on six felonies including theft in office.

According to Ohio Auditor Keith Faber’s office, Cory Clark has been indicted for theft in office, three counts of tampering with records and two counts of forgery.

“While serving as the district fiscal manager, Clark was alleged to have increased district check amounts and made payments to himself, which support the fourth degree theft in office felony charge and third degree felony tampering charges.

“The investigation also found that Clark forged someone else’s name to checks that were issued on behalf of the district,” Faber’s office said.

More than $3,500 allegedly was taken by Clark.

The investigation was conducted by the Ohio Auditor Special Investigations Unit.

Larry Merry, chairman of the Belmont County Transportation Improvement District Board, issued the following statement regarding the charges against Clark:

“Today’s announcement comes after months of behind-the-scenes research and investigations by Belmont County officials and the State Auditor. Although we are all troubled by this announcement, it gives us the opportunity to reassure the taxpayers of Belmont County that we take the protection of their tax dollars and the funding for local services very seriously. Mr. Clark was terminated as fiscal officer for the Transportation Improvement District board on February 1, 2019,” Merry said.

“This indictment demonstrates the commitment of the Belmont County Transportation Improvement District Board and the commitment of our county department leaders and staff.

“Regarding the more specific details of the investigation, we will defer any further information to allow the legal process to proceed in this case.

“We thank the State Auditor’s office staff, along with our county prosecuting attorney, Dan Fry, and the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department, for their diligence in this matter.”

Fry said Thursday the “Ohio Auditor’s Office will be handling all charges in this matter.”

Clark could not be reached Thursday for comment.