Ohio city has been swayed by the indictment of its second-term mayor, stand-up comedian Drew Hastings.

Ohio Auditor Dave Yost announced four felony counts against Hastings last week after an investigation led by a court-appointed special prosecutor from his office. The charges included election falsification, involving his disputed residency, and tampering with records.

Hastings was elected twice in large margins. It was said that he has done nothing wrong other than trying to lead the city without the “consent of an established political structure.” He had blasted the investigation that began early in this year as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”

The publisher of The Highland County Press in Hillsboro said, that the charges could signal the end of Hastings’ time as mayor in the city of some 6,600 people.

Lee Koogler, president of Hillsboro city council,said that the city government will continue to function. He added, “we’ll see how it plays out”.

Paulette Donley, chairwoman of the Highland County Republican Executive Committee, said that it was needed to “be patient, and support our community.” She also stated that politics of the case can’t be ignored. She informed that people had been calling her to ask how to support Hastings. She added, “People here dearly love him.”

Bill Alexander, a Democratic councilman, said that he felt bad for Hastings because he has done much for the community, but never believed that he was targeted for politics. Alexander stated, “I have confidence in our court system to come to a fair resolution.”

Hastings’ first court appearance will be on 1st August. He managed to find some humor after he learned of the charges while having lunch at a restaurant.

Hastings wrote in Twitter, “the sheriff’s office served my indictment while I was eating at Bob Evans. That is the fastest service I’ve ever gotten at a Bob Evans.”

By Prakriti Neogi