Former Summit County deputy charged with theft was arrested on drug charges and failed drug tests while working at the sheriff’s office

Akron, Ohio (WOIO) – There are new developments surrounding a former Summit County deputy who is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars in overtime from the Sheriff’s Office.

19 Investigators obtained court records and Marcello Thomas’ personnel file – showing he had run-ins with the law before becoming a deputy – and even while serving as a deputy.

In September 2021, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office hired Thomas as a deputy at the Summit County Jail.

Last July, Thomas was secretly charged with stealing thousands of dollars in SCSO overtime that investigators say he did not work.

After 19 investigators reported on Thomas’s “theft in office” charge, we began looking into his background.

We found out that he was arrested for theft two years before SCSO hired him.

Records show he pleaded to reduced charges in both cases – but after violating his probation in 2017, Thomas was sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Now we’ve learned that Thomas’ days as deputy were also plagued with problems.

Records show Thomas tested positive for THC on May 2, 2023 – a violation of SCSO policy. He received a written warning.

On November 11, 2023, Barberton police arrested Thomas on domestic violence charges following an incident with his girlfriend.

On February 21, 2024, Thomas pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct. Records show he was found guilty and sentenced to complete a domestic violence diversion program.

As a result, SCSO suspended Thomas for eight hours.

According to the documents, Thomas received a written warning two days later for “neglecting his duty” after investigators said he failed to properly search an inmate’s belongings before taking him to prison.

Records show Thomas searched the inmate’s bag but was unable to remove an envelope containing pills and an unknown white powder.

There were also two box cutters with a razor blade, which officers later removed from the bag. Thomas received a written warning.

On April 22, 2024, the SCSO began investigating Thomas for allegedly forging his supervisors’ signatures and initials on timesheets – allowing Thomas to pocket $21,157.23 For 380 hours of overtime it is said that he did not work.

Then last May, Records show Thomas tested positive for THC again.

Sheriff Kandy Fatheree wrote Thomas a letter of resignation, which she later revoked, allowing Thomas to resign.

Two months later, a Summit County grand jury indicted Thomas on 12 felony counts; one count of office theft, attempted office theft and 10 counts of tampering with records.

19 investigators have reached out to Thomas for comment but have not received a response.

We also asked SCSO why they hired him in the first place and why they didn’t fire him sooner – they didn’t answer.

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