Miami County Children’s Services director fired amid investigation

Officials fired the Miami County Children’s Services director Tuesday amid an investigation into fraud and theft allegations against her.

June Cannon, Children’s Services director, had been placed on paid administrative leave on Friday, but was fired Tuesday, according to Children’s Services board President John Bosse.

The reason for the termination cannot be disclosed while a sheriff’s office investigation continues, Bosse said.

Bosse said it is a “sad time” for the public agency. The employees are dealing with the investigation that included a search warrant executed at its offices in Troy on Friday, he said.

“It is a good, hard-working group,” Bosse said.

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Cannon, who spent more than two decades with Children’s Services, was not available for comment.

She is the second Miami County department leader fired this year.

In January, Board of Elections members fired Director Beverly Kendall just days after the Dayton Daily News first reported a November election mistake in which 6,288 early votes were not counted. The Ohio Secretary of State’s Office continues to investigate that.

Sheriff Dave Duchak said an investigation into Children’s Services is wrapping up on allegations of fraud and theft.

No charges have been filed, and detectives are talking with prosecutors, he said. Prosecuting Attorney Tony Kendell said he could not comment on an investigation at this point.

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The allegations against Cannon involved mileage reimbursement claims along with questionable credit card reimbursements and time worked, Duchak said. Detectives with the warrant seized receipts, documents and ledgers, Duchak said.

A total amount of money allegedly involved was not yet available as review of financial records continues. The amount will be “at least in the several thousands of dollars range,” Duchak said.

The search warrant affidavit and inventory were filed in county Common Pleas Court and sealed by Judge Stacy Wall.

A closer look at agency finances began in August based on complaints to investigators.

Cannon has worked at the agency for more than 20 years. The agency is governed a five-member board of county residents that is appointed by the county commission.

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The budget for Children’s Services for this year was approved at $3,654,780.

Duchak said any public corruption investigation is difficult and frustrating.

“When you are in public service yourself, it really strikes you hard, especially if you are colleagues,” he said.

“It violates the public trust and plays into the mantra all public employees are bad,” he said of allegations of wrongdoing. “My sympathy goes to the employees at Children’s Services Board, but they are professionals and will continue their work.”

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