A Bowling Green man accused of stealing thousands of dollars from his employer – who is a state senator – is expected to enter a plea next month.
Bruce Vermett, 39, appeared Thursday in the courtroom of Wood County Common Pleas Judge Joel Kuhlman.
His client “candidly from the beginning took responsibility for his actions,” said defense attorney Stevin Groth.
He added that Vermett is working on getting restitution and will likely plead to the indicted charges.
Vermett was indicted in January for theft from a person in a protected class, a first-degree felony, and telecommunications fraud, a second-degree felony.
He is accused of depriving Jim and Theresa Gavarone of more than $150,000 through deception.
Theresa Gavarone said at the time of the indictment that Vermett had been employed by them at Mr. Spots for nearly 25 years and eventually was named the manager.
The incident spanned from Jan. 1, 2018, to Aug. 31, 2022.
Vermett is also accused of devising a scheme to defraud the couple by using a telecommunication device or service.
Gavarone has served in the Ohio Senate since 2019 and previously served in the Ohio House since 2016. She represents the people of Wood, Erie and Ottawa counties, and parts of Fulton and Lucas counties.
A plea hearing for Vermett was scheduled for July 6.
