Former Richland County Mental Health Agency Leader Indicted

Joseph Trolian, the former executive director of the Richland County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services, has been indicted on seven counts, including a felony charge of having an unlawful interest in a public contract.

 

The other six charges against Trolian are first-degree misdemeanors—three alleging unlawful interest in a public contract and three related to conflicts of interest.

 

Jay Wachs, a former board member, faces six counts, including two felony charges of having an unlawful interest in a public contract.

 

The indictments were announced by the Ohio Auditor's Office, following an investigation that began in October 2023 after receiving complaints that Trolian and Wachs benefited financially from contracts for services for the agency.

 

According to the auditor, Trolian allegedly used his position to secure a contract for training that benefited his wife, while Wachs allegedly used his board position to secure a contract that benefited himself and his company.

 

Both men appeared in Richland County Common Pleas Court, where personal recognizance bonds of $5,000 were set, and they were ordered not to have contact with each other.

 

Trolian was dismissed in November 2023 after 20 years with the agency, including 16 as executive director, for "neglect of duty and failing to inform the board of underlying interest in contracts and expenditures." He has appealed his dismissal, with the case still pending in court.

 

Wachs resigned from the board in October 2023 after allegations that he used his position for personal benefit. He denied being compensated by his company for work related to the board.

 

The auditor's office encourages anyone with information on suspected fraud to submit tips anonymously online or via the fraud hotline at 866-FRAUD-OH (866-372-8364).