Ohio auditor state finds evidence of Medina County Auditor Anthony Capretta using county funds for campaign expenses

MEDINA — The Ohio auditor state determined it found evidence that Medina County Auditor Anthony Capretta acted in ways prohibited by the Ohio Revised Code related to county funds and campaign expenses. In a letter to Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson, the auditor of state's office said that the fiscal integrity act complaint against Medina County Auditor Anthony Capretta was reviewed by its office. "(The auditor of state's office) found clear and convincing evidence that he purposely or knowingly committed acts expressly prohibited by law as to his fiscal duties; specifically, using county funds over approximately two years for campaign expenses in violation of (Revised Code) 9.03," the letter stated. "This alone is a legally sufficient basis to make this referral." The auditor of state's office said that from May 2024 through March 2026, Capretta allegedly worked with someone to provide media services for the auditor's office, and some of the services went toward Capretta's campaign. "A total of $46,000 was paid with county funds for services (provided) through February 2026," the auditor of state's office said. "The invoice for services (provided) in March 2026 was submitted by Capretta for payment but has not been paid by the county. The complaint against Capretta also alleged that he misused journal entries and improperly awarded bonuses, but the auditor of state's office found that there was not a violation of an "express fiscal duty," so it did not meet the legal standard for a referral. "However, because the conduct appears to be negligent, (the auditor of state) will address them in the county's (Fiscal Year) 2025 financial audit," the auditor of state's office stated. Capretta said that neither he nor his office has a comment on the ongoing situation. "For these reasons a referral to the Attorney General to remove Auditor (Anthony) Capretta is warranted as he purposely, knowingly or recklessly used public funds for his re-election campaign which is expressly prohibited by law with respect to his fiscal duties," the auditor of state's office said.