By James Massara, crawfordcountynow.com

BUCYRUS — A Galion city employee recently maintained his innocence through his attorney in Crawford County Municipal Court last week.

Galion Electric Department Superintendent Tony Slone’s attorney, R. Rolf Whitney, filed a not guilty plea Aug. 24 on behalf of Slone, according to the the Crawford Municipal Court website.

As a result of the plea, Slone was not required to make an appearance in court Tuesday, Aug. 29 for his scheduled arraignment, Whitney said.

Galion Communications Director Matt Echelberry said Slone was placed on unpaid administrative leave after the plea was submitted. Echelberry said Slone most likely will remain on the unpaid status throughout the court proceedings.

Slone is charged with receiving stolen property, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Galion Mayor Tom O’Leary previously said a meter box and Slone’s residence had been bypassed.

Editor’s note: The Galion Inquirer and Crawford County Now have reached an agreement to share stories that are in the interest of readers of crawfordcountynow.com and galioninquirer.com