COLUMBUS, Ohio- A former employee of the Ohio Department of Transportation billed the state for hours worked while he was playing golf and taking personal trips, the state's government watchdog said Wednesday.
Don Barber collected a total of $7,727.68 in state pay and sick leave on 21 days he was golfing or attending social functions, a report by Inspector General Tom Charles concluded.
Barber served as deputy director for the agency's District 5 in Jacksontown near Columbus.
The state began its investigation June 12 after receiving anonymous tips and evidence, including photos of Barber's car in a golf course parking lot, the report said.
ODOT Director James Beasley asked for Barber's resignation on Sept. 30 and received it after Barber was confronted with the evidence. Barber admitted to not working on the 21 days in question, but argued that he generally worked more than 40 hours a week to make up for it, the report said.
Barber also said he was a salaried employee and therefore did not need to keep detailed time sheets, which the inspector general said was untrue.
Jim Canepa, deputy inspector general overseeing ODOT, said he believes the payment received by Barber over the 21 days in question should be paid back to the state. Barber would either have to agree to pay the money back, or the Licking County prosecutor would have to seek restitution.
A message was left Wednesday at the offices of Licking County Prosecutor Kenneth Oswalt.
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