Ohio Auditor Keith Faber Discusses Attorney General Campaign During Mercer County Fair Visit

Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber, who is running for Ohio Attorney General, stopped by the Mercer County Fair during a campaign swing through the state and discussed his experience in public office, government fraud investigations and the role county fairs play in Ohio communities.

Faber said traveling the state is nothing new for him. During his eight years as state auditor, he said he has visited all 88 Ohio counties numerous times and continues to discover new places and communities along the way.

He also encouraged Ohioans to visit their local county fairs, pointing specifically to the value of 4-H and FFA programs.

Faber called funding for those programs one of the state’s best investments, saying they help young people develop entrepreneurship, responsibility and other skills that prepare them to become successful adults.

Turning to his campaign for Attorney General, Faber said his experience as state auditor has prepared him for the position. Before becoming auditor, Faber served in both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate.

Faber said his office has obtained 165 criminal convictions of public officials during his tenure as auditor. He also pointed to his experience personally trying a criminal case involving a former public transit authority official in Lima who was convicted on seven felony charges.

Faber said the work of the Auditor’s Office frequently involves investigating public officials accused of stealing or improperly using taxpayer money.

During the interview, he recalled cases involving sheriffs, county officials and other public employees, including one township fiscal officer accused of stealing more than $300,000 from a township with an annual budget of approximately the same amount.

According to Faber, investigators discovered that some of the money had been used in an attempt to create a private zoo and Airbnb operation that included hot tubs and exotic animals. The animals were eventually sent to an animal preserve in Florida.

Faber said his office continues to investigate public corruption and fraud cases across Ohio, describing the work as ongoing.

In discussing why he is seeking the Attorney General’s Office, Faber said the role would expand the type of accountability work he currently performs.

“As auditor, I have jurisdiction over catching people lying, stealing and cheating with government money,” Faber said. “Attorney General, you do justice for all of Ohio when somebody is lying, stealing and cheating and trying to take advantage of Ohioans.”

Faber closed the interview by encouraging people to attend the Mercer County Fair and support local organizations and food stands, including the Cattlemen, Pork Producers and FFA.