An assistant chief with the Clearcreek Township Fire Department has been demoted following a police investigation into the online impersonation of an elected official.
Former Assistant Chief Christopher Vecchi was accused of impersonating Kelly Kohls, president of the Springboro school board, on July 27, 2013 in an internet blog discussion about highly contentious Springboro school levy issues.
Police investigated after Kohls complained that someone had used her identity. A search warrant served on the blog operator gave police access to the web data needed to identify the actual poster. Police then obtained a search warrant for Chief Vecchi’s computer. Vecchi was placed on paid leave on August 16, 2013 with the police pursuing felony identity fraud charges.
The police reportedly completed their investigation and decided not to pursue criminal charges. Following the investigation, Clearcreek Township trustees demoted Vecchi for one year and required him to sign a “last chance” agreement. By agreement, Vecchi’s paid leave was reverted to an unpaid suspension, and he agreed to use accrued sick and time-off to reimburse the township for his pay going back to August 16. 2013.