JACKSON, Ohio — The Adams County prosecutor has been appointed special prosecutor to investigate alleged misspending by city officials.

        David Kelley was selected for the post on Friday by Jackson County Common Pleas Judge Leonard Holzapfel, on the recommendation of county Prosecutor Jonathan Blanton.

        “I'm going at it with no assumptions,” said Mr. Kelley, promising a full and fair investigation into spending practices in the community 65 miles southeast of Columbus.

        He said he expected to select Mark Weaver, his assistant and a former deputy state attorney general, to help with the investigation.

        Mr. Kelley's appointment comes amid an apparent rift between City Council and Mayor Tom Evans. Late last month, the council hired a team of lawyers to advise the city on steps to take following a state audit released by State Auditor Jim Petro.

        The audit, covering 1999 and 2000, listed $88,212 in findings for recovery, which should be repaid to taxpayers. It determined that the city had been tapping its water, sewer, electric and garbage accounts to prop up its operating budget.

        Safety-Service Director Ron Speakman owes the largest amount of any city official or worker, $10,739.

        The unlawful spending totaled more than $6 million between 1989 and 2001 and could lead to a fiscal emergency.

        Through his attorney, Mr. Speakman has admitted some misspending and has repaid some money. He also acknowledged using city workers to do personal errands and has repaid some money related to that.

        Some potential violations have been referred to the Ohio Ethics Commission.

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