Morehead pleads guilty AND innocent
by M. Stewart
According to the newspapers, Columbiana County Health Commissioner Bob Morehead pleaded guilty to theft in office rather than confront the evidence at trial. The Morning Journal reports that Morehead’s attorney said the admission of guilt was something called an “Alford plea”—that is, “the defendant maintains his innocence but acknowledges there was enough evidence to likely secure a conviction.”
Oh, really.
Hey, if I’ve been unjustly accused of theft and my reputation and career are on the line, the last thing I’m going to do is plead guilty. I don’t care what the lawyers call it; when you plead guilty, you are standing before the community and saying you did it. Up is not down—not even in Columbiana County.
The evidence must be obvious and overwhelming, so much so that Morehead didn’t want to stand up to it at trial. Alford plea, my ass.
Men of honor and character don’t steal in the first place, but even good men make mistakes. If a momentary lapse of morality should occur, it’s best to admit the crime and take the punishment, especially when caught red handed. But don’t feign innocence while pleading guilty.
If it weren’t for former Youngstown Vindicator reporter Norman Leigh, Morehead might still be shaking down taxpayers in full view of his oversight board. How many other public officials are stealing money while the watchdogs are looking the other way? Is anyone bothering to check?
For more on this story see the Youngstown Vindicator.
According to the newspapers, Columbiana County Health Commissioner Bob Morehead pleaded guilty to theft in office rather than confront the evidence at trial. The Morning Journal reports that Morehead’s attorney said the admission of guilt was something called an “Alford plea”—that is, “the defendant maintains his innocence but acknowledges there was enough evidence to likely secure a conviction.”
Oh, really.
Hey, if I’ve been unjustly accused of theft and my reputation and career are on the line, the last thing I’m going to do is plead guilty. I don’t care what the lawyers call it; when you plead guilty, you are standing before the community and saying you did it. Up is not down—not even in Columbiana County.
The evidence must be obvious and overwhelming, so much so that Morehead didn’t want to stand up to it at trial. Alford plea, my ass.
Men of honor and character don’t steal in the first place, but even good men make mistakes. If a momentary lapse of morality should occur, it’s best to admit the crime and take the punishment, especially when caught red handed. But don’t feign innocence while pleading guilty.
If it weren’t for former Youngstown Vindicator reporter Norman Leigh, Morehead might still be shaking down taxpayers in full view of his oversight board. How many other public officials are stealing money while the watchdogs are looking the other way? Is anyone bothering to check?
For more on this story see the Youngstown Vindicator.
posted by M. | 6:57 AM
12 Comments:
do you know Mr. Bob personally?
Mr. Bob? No, I don't recall ever meeting the man. I am familiar only with his public actions as a public figure.
its easy to sit on your can and judge others,maybe your not such a saint? I wont bother to bring up trash on others maybe you should follow my lead.
Dear Emmit,
I didn't dig up any trash on Mr. Morehead. He did it all by himself. It was he, not I, who pleaded guilty to stealing from taxpayers. It was he who committed a crime against the people of this county while in a position of trust.
Besides, I don't sit on my can. I work hard for a living and don't steal from my employer. That might not make me a saint, but I'm sure as hell not a thief.
emmit fitshume or should i say mr. morehead...stop breaking the law and no one will dig up dirt. it is a very simple formula...
MATT, PLEASE Mr. LEIGH, TELL HIM TO COME TO WELLSVILLE. HE WOULD FIND ALL KIND OF LAW BREAKING THERE. HELL I WOULD HELP HIM OUT. IF YOU STILL COVERED THE VILLE DURING SURACE'S ADMINISTRATION, YOU WOULD HAVE UNCOVERED ALL KIND OF CROOKED SHIT, YOU ARE NOT AFRAID TO ASK TOUGH QUESTIONS. THE 2 REPORTERS THAT COVER THE VILLE NOW, WILL NEVER FIND OUT ANYTHING, TOO TIMID. GIVE ME MR. LEIGH'S PHONE NUMBER, I WILL CALL HIM, IF YOU DON'T, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
I thought it was hilarious that one of the books 'Mr. Bob' charged on the county credit card was 'Teach Yourself Ethics'!!
Carl--
I could be wrong, but I don't think Mr. Leigh works for the Vindy now. Because state and federal authorities have known about Wellsville for years, it's safe to assume that they have no interest in doing anything about the issues that have come there.
That is funny, wasn't one of the books called Integrity also.
the ville needs mike mudrick back
Apparently nothing goes on in Wellsville anymore. The biggest controversy since Surace got re-elected has been over the animal shelter. I guess everyone has cleaned up his act.
After reading todays paper it is hard to tell who is running the dog shelter, it does not seem like council has much say any more about it. There was much discussion about what to do with the dead dogs. I don't believe there are that many and I would worry more about the ones that are alive and living a terrible life tied to a box 24-7. There are plenty of them in Wellsville and apparently no one to advocate for them.
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