COLUMBUS — A former Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority driver has been ordered to repay $3,567 in sick leave benefits he claimed while he was working those same hours at another public agency, Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber said Thursday.

The finding against Frederick Hannahs was included in a special audit released by the Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU). SIU launched its investigation in October 2023 following a complaint alleging Hannahs had used paid sick leave to extend his employment at SVRTA after being hired by the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

SIU determined Hannahs obtained doctor’s notes excusing him from work in September and October of 2023 and was paid for 152 hours of sick leave. However, during that time, Hannahs was working as a bus driver for the other agency, contrary to SVRTA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and Employee Handbook policies.

SIU presented the results of its investigation to the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s office and the case was presented to a grand jury, which declined to indict Hannahs.

“This finding is an appropriate resolution to this matter,” Prosecutor Jane Hanlin said.

Since 2019, the Special Investigations Unit has assisted in 134 convictions resulting in more than $13 million in restitution.