Former Richland County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services Executive Director Convicted on Seven Criminal Counts

Press Release • Ohio Auditor of State

COLUMBUS - The former executive director of the Richland County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services (RCMH) was found guilty Thursday of seven criminal counts following an investigation by the Auditor of State's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) into improper contracting.

Following a four-day trial, a jury convicted Joseph Trolian on one felony count of having an unlawful interest in a public contract, three misdemeanor counts of having an unlawful interest in a public contract, and three misdemeanor counts of conflict of interest.

"My Special Investigations Unit built a rock-solid case," Auditor of State Keith Faber said. "We'll continue to fully investigate and bring to justice those who abuse the public trust."\

SIU launched an investigation in October 2023 after receiving a complaint alleging Trolian and former board member Jay Wachs had benefited financially from contracts for services for RCMH.

Investigators alleged Trolian used his public position to secure a contract for training that he knew would benefit his wife, among other issues, and Wachs used his public position to secure a contract that benefited himself and his company.

Trolian and Wachs were indicted in Richland County Common Pleas Court in September 2025. Wachs pleaded guilty in January 2026 to misdemeanor counts of conflict of interest and received a six-month, suspended jail sentence and one year of community control and was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.

Retired Wayne County Common Pleas Judge Mark K. Wiest, serving as visiting judge in the case, sentenced Trolian following Thursday's verdict, fining him $2,500.

An SIU attorney served as special prosecutor in the case.

"We appreciate the work of the Ohio Auditor of State's Special Investigations Unit for pursuing this matter thoroughly and professionally," said Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero. "This case reinforces the importance of strong oversight and ethical leadership in public service. The people of Richland County deserve accountability from every public official, and today's outcome demonstrates that misconduct involving taxpayer funds will not be ignored."

Since 2019, the Special Investigations Unit has assisted in 164 convictions resulting in more than $17.8 million in restitution (see Map of SIU Convictions since January 2019). The team receives hundreds of tips of suspected fraud annually. Tips can be submitted anonymously online or via SIU's fraud hotline at 866-FRAUD-OH (866-372-8364).

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The Auditor of State's Office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.