AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) – There are new developments surrounding a former Summit County deputy who is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars in overtime from the sheriff’s office.

19 Investigations obtained Marcello Thomas’ court files and personal file – which show he ran afoul of the law before becoming an MP – and even while working as one.

In September 2021, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office hired Thomas to work as a deputy at the Summit County Jail.

Last July, Thomas was secretly charged with stealing thousands of dollars in overtime from SCSO that investigators say he did not work.

After 19 Research reported because of Thomas’ “Theft in Office” allegations, we began to look into his background.

I found out he was arrested for the theft twice years before SCSO hired him.

Records show he pleaded to reduced charges in both cases — however, after violating his probation in 2017, Thomas was sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Now we learn that Thomas’s days as an MP were also fraught with problems.

Records show that on May 2, 2023, Thomas tested positive for THC – a violation of SCSO policies. He was given a written warning.

On November 11, 2023, records show Barberton police arrested Thomas for domestic violence after an incident with his girlfriend.

On February 21, 2024, Thomas pleaded “no contest” to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct. Records show he was found guilty and ordered to complete a domestic violence diversion program.

As a result, SCSO suspended Thomas for eight hours.

Two days later, records show Thomas received a written warning for “Neglect of Duty” after investigators say he failed to properly search an inmate’s belongings before sending him to jail.

Records show Thomas searched the inmate’s bag but was unable to retrieve an envelope containing pills and an unknown white powder.

There were also two box cutters with a razor blade that deputies later removed from the bag. Thomas received a written warning.

On April 22, 2024, SCSO began investigating Thomas for allegedly forging his supervisors’ signatures and initials on time sheets—allowing Thomas to earn $21,157.23. for 380 overtime hours he is said not to have worked.

Then, last May, records show Thomas again tested positive for THC.

Sheriff Kandy Fatheree wrote Thomas a letter of termination – which he later rescinded – allowing Thomas to resign.

Two months later, a Summit County grand jury indicted Thomas on 12 felonies; one count of office theft, attempted office theft and 10 counts of falsifying records.

19 Investigates reached out to Thomas for comment, but did not hear back.

I also asked the SCSO why they hired him to begin with and why they didn’t fire him earlier – they didn’t answer.

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