Toledo Metropolis Council member accused of misusing state time, car in function as state worker

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – A Toledo city councilor and an employee of the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board could face administrative proceedings based on the results of an investigation by the Ohio Inspector General that he misreported his work hours and his state-issued vehicle for personal Used errands.

John M. Hobbs III. is accused of stopping in his state-issued vehicle during Ohio state business hours that were unrelated to his board duties.

According to the Ohio Inspector General’s investigation, Hobbs used his vehicle and state time to visit his dentist, go to his family’s hairdresser, and practice basketball at Bowsher High School. Hobbs was also called to one of the seats on Toledo City Council after four members resigned during a bribery investigation.

As an employee of the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board, Hobbs’ primary responsibility is to conduct inspections of all COS licensed facilities in his assigned region of 28 counties in northwest Ohio. He is responsible for inspecting hair salons, beauty salons, tanning facilities, nail / manicure facilities and aesthetic facilities.

After reviewing mobile location data, inspection reports, timesheets, and records for Hobbs’ second coaching job at Bowsher, “the Office of the General Inspector General had reasonable grounds to believe Hobbs had violated COS guidelines by serving as a Basketball was engaged in a personal business for profit “. Coach at times when he reported working as an inspector for the state of Ohio, ”a press release said.

Investigators found that Hobbs coached the Bowsher basketball team for 14 days between January 21, 2018 and June 23, 2020 and reported those hours to the state of Ohio. One report puts the Ohio State’s financial loss at $ 423.35.

In addition, investigators found that Hobbs had three in-person dentist appointments while allegedly on the clock for the state of Ohio, with a total of $ 148.15 in financial losses.

The report also states that Hobbs was “clocked out” of his duties with the state of Ohio while in Bowsher and was also “clocked out” during one of his dental appointments while he was still using his state-issued vehicle, creating liability issues from its use of the car “outside of the time and scope of his employment with the State of Ohio.”

The Inspector General’s report was sent to the Columbus City Attorney, Toledo City Attorney, and Ohio Ethics Committee for review.

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