Ex-Springboro sports treasurer wants lower bond, is sued for divorce

The former treasurer of the Springboro Clearcreek Baseball Association, accused of embezzling more than $150,000 from the group, is seeking a reduction in her bond and facing divorce proceedings in Warren County Common Pleas Court.

Renee K. Nichols’ lawyer filed a motion on Wednesday seeking a hearing with Judge Donald Oda II, who set Nichols’ bond at $750,000.

RELATED: Former treasurer back in jail on high bond after medical furlough

Nichols, 65, is charged with two third-degree felonies, aggravated theft and tampering with records.

“There are constitutional safeguards with bonds,” lawyer Patrick Mulligan said after the motion was filed.

The motion notes the bond is higher than for similar cases and describes her as having no criminal record, much less any history of fleeing from prosecution.

The motion also urges a reduction so that Nichols can be released from jail and seek medical help from her doctors for a range of ailments. Nichols is described as the primary caregiver for a 12-year-old daughter.

RELATED: Former treasurer granted furlough

Last week, her husband, Avery, filed for divorce, listing her address as the jail in Lebanon, and calling for him to be named custodial parent while she is in jail.

The lawsuit seeks no support, claiming she is unemployed and the couple in bankruptcy.

No lawyer is listed as representing Nichols in this case, and Mulligan said his office was not handling it “at this point.”

The divorce complaint claims the couple, married in 1991 in Fairborn, is incompatible and she committed “gross neglect of duty.”

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