© 2025 Ideastream Public Media

1375 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 916-6100 | (877) 399-3307

WKSU is a public media service licensed to Kent State University and operated by Ideastream Public Media.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ohio National Guard Member Inflated Reimbursements for Transferring Vets Remains

Photo of the Ohio National Guard logo
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT
/
THE OHIO NATIONAL GUARD

A member of the Ohio Army National Guard who was trusted with transferring the remains of deceased veterans lied about how many trips he made so the state would reimburse him more money.

An Ohio Army National Guard sergeant, Jason Edwards, would file paperwork saying he performed honorable transfers for deceased veterans in order to get mileage reimbursement from the state, according to an investigation by the Ohio Inspector General. In reality, other members of Edwards’ team performed the transfers.

The report found that Edwards pulled off this type of scam more than 100 times in the southwest region of Ohio. He pleaded guilty in Franklin County Common Pleas Court to theft in office and tampering with records.

Edwards was sentenced to five years of community service and must pay nearly $11,000 back to the state.

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.