Former Richwood Mayor Pleads Not Guilty

Edward Harris served as Richwood's mayor for twenty years. A state investigation into money spent during his final weeks as mayor put Harris in the hot seat.

Harris surrendered to police on one count of malfeasance in office in July. Now he is facing criminal charges for checks he wrote to himself and former employees.

 Charles Kincade said, "We entered a not guilty plea, we're looking forward to fighting these charges vigorously."

Harris came under fire for taking thousands of dollars out of the town fund for unpaid vacation and severance packages, just days before he left office. At Harris' arraignment, the judge set a preliminary hearing for October 9th. Next month's preliminary hearing will let Harris' attorney know if the state has a strong case against him.

 Harris' attorney Charles Kincade says the state hasn't detailed exactly what Harris did wrong. "

Malfeasance is a very vague charge so at this point we're not sure exactly what the D.A. is alleging, but we will move forward and we will file certain motions for particulars as to what the D.A. is alleging," said Kincade.

Kincade says this case could go on for months, but Harris wants it to be over as soon as possible.