From: Sent:

To:

Zody, Scott Friday, July 20, 2012 4:40 PM Wildlife, Employees Inspector General High

Subject: Importance:

As many of you are now aware, yesterday the Inspector General's Office released an investigation

report relative to

allegations of theft of time and lack of supervision of employees or staff. The investigation was specific to allegations of hunting while on duty by former Wildlife Officer Allan Wright, Wildlife Officer Supervisor Dave Warner and Wildlife Officer Matt Roberts. In addition, the Brown County Prosecutor filed felony charges against Supervisor Warner and Officer Roberts for Theft in Office and Tampering with Records, and an additional charge of Dereliction of Duty on Supervisor Warner. The Department and Division have been cooperating with the Inspector General in this investigation, and the

Department will now initiate its own administrative investigation into the matter. Supervisor Warner has been placed on unpaid leave, and per the FOP contract, Officer Roberts has been placed on restricted duties. Any media inquiries relative to this should be referred to the Department Carlo LoParo or Bethany McCorkle. I cannot comment
r .

Communications

Office to the attention

of

relative to the report or the charges other than to state that the criminal charges will now be investigation needs to be allowed to run its course prior by this development.

addressed through the judicial process and the administrative

to any conclusions being made, but I am obviously very disheartened What does this mean? First and foremost, and responsibilities

this should serve as a stark reminder that we must all strive to be open and transparent to the sportsmen of documenting

in our duties

and women who pay our salaries and entrust us with the state's wildlife on a daily basis our work hours and how we

resources. Secondly, it underscores the critical importance spend them.

Officers must log on and off the MARCS system at the beginning and end of their shifts, and I would suggest confirming the log on and log off via voice communication with the Department Radio Room. For all other employees, utilize your sign-in and sign-out sheets and document your time. Further guidance will be forthcoming, ensure compliance. but in the meantime these are some simple common sense steps you can take to

I have said it before and will say it again (and again) - Despite these challenges and failures, we must remain focused on fulfilling our mission and providing the citizens of the State of Ohio with the highest quality customer service and integrity possible. DO NOT engage in the rumor mill, DO NOT allow yourselves to be distracted by the naysayers and critics. Above all, DO NOT fear to do your job. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. ChiefZody