In-plant Manager Indicted
The former director of Ohio University Printing and Graphic Services was indicted by a grand jury Monday on four felony counts, for allegedly steering more than $100,000 in contracts to his wife’s businesses while in the job.
David Kasler, who was featured in several IPG articles over the years for his innovative ideas, received two counts of fourth-degree felony for having an unlawful interest in a public contract, according to the Athens News, plus two theft counts: theft in office and theft by deception, both third-degree felonies.
Between January 2003 and July 2008—when he was put on administrative leave—Kasler allegedly awarded university contracts to MD Computers, Accolades and Resumé Impressions, businesses owned by his wife. It is illegal for a public official who has an interest in a contract to take any part in making the decision to award the contract.An anonymous tip to an OU ethics report line in June started the investigation. The state auditor received a similar complaint. Kasler retired on July 25.
Kasler is perhaps most memorable to IPG readers for a program he initiated to create handmade wooden gifts from fallen university trees, as detailed in an April 2005 article.
Kasler's alleged offenses did not impact the in-plant's ability to serve Ohio University with distinction. In recent years the quality of Printing and Graphic Services' work has been honored with numerous awards. Most notably, the shop won seven In-Print awards in 2007, using a two-color press to print four-color process work.
- People:
- David Kasler