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Preble County Clerk of Courts Resigns Amid Theft Allegations

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 15:56 GMT by Dayton Daily News
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

PREBLE COUNTY, OH - February 7th, 2026 - Melissa Shafer, the long-serving Clerk of Courts for Preble County, has officially resigned from her position following months of scrutiny and allegations of theft. The resignation was accepted Friday by the Preble County Commissioners during a concise public meeting, bringing a chapter of uncertainty for the county's judicial administration to a close, though not necessarily ending the legal repercussions for Shafer.

The situation first came to light in December of 2025 when allegations of financial impropriety surfaced within the Clerk of Courts office. These allegations prompted the Preble County Commissioners to immediately place Shafer on paid administrative leave, allowing the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to launch a thorough investigation. The decision to suspend Shafer with pay was a standard procedure, designed to ensure the integrity of the investigation while affording Shafer due process.

That investigation culminated in a January indictment, revealing a series of charges against Shafer, including theft in office, misuse of office, unauthorized use of property, and making false statements. These are serious felonies that carry significant penalties upon conviction, potentially including imprisonment and substantial fines. While the details of the alleged theft remain largely sealed to protect the ongoing legal process, sources close to the investigation suggest the amounts involved are substantial, spanning multiple years.

The resignation, effective immediately, was announced by the Commissioners via a brief public statement. While accepting Shafer's resignation provides a path forward for the Clerk of Courts office, the Commissioners were quick to emphasize that it doesn't absolve Shafer of potential criminal liability. "The Preble County Commissioners are committed to transparency and accountability," the statement read. "The resignation does not preclude further legal action." This firm stance underscores the county's dedication to upholding the law and ensuring that any wrongdoing is fully addressed.

The Clerk of Courts office plays a vital role in the Preble County legal system. It's responsible for the meticulous maintenance of all court records, the processing of legal documents - everything from complaints and motions to judgments and decrees - and the administration of oaths. Any disruption to the functioning of this office can significantly impact the efficiency and fairness of legal proceedings. The smooth and accurate operation of the Clerk's office is crucial for both citizens accessing the courts and the judicial officers themselves.

Currently, the county has not announced an interim replacement for Shafer. This leaves a significant gap in leadership at a critical time. County officials are likely vetting potential candidates and navigating the legal requirements for appointing an interim clerk. The lack of immediate announcement is understandable, given the sensitivity of the situation and the need to ensure a qualified and trustworthy individual fills the role. A prolonged vacancy could lead to backlogs in court processing, potentially delaying cases and hindering access to justice.

The implications of this scandal extend beyond the legal ramifications for Shafer and the temporary disruption to the Clerk of Courts office. It also raises questions about internal controls and oversight within county government. Residents are likely to demand a review of existing procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This could involve strengthening financial audits, implementing more robust inventory management systems, or increasing the frequency of internal reviews.

Local political analysts suggest this case could become a significant issue in upcoming county elections, with candidates likely to address concerns about accountability and transparency in government. Voters will undoubtedly scrutinize the response of county officials and demand assurances that safeguards are in place to protect public funds. The investigation, indictment, and resignation have eroded public trust, and rebuilding that trust will require a concerted effort from county leadership.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus will shift to the courts, where Shafer will face the charges against her. The outcome of the case will ultimately determine the extent of her culpability and the consequences she will face. In the meantime, Preble County residents can expect ongoing discussions about the future of the Clerk of Courts office and the broader need for ethical and responsible governance.