T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA Shadyside Councilman Sam Carpino, shown at left during a past council meeting, is the subject of a criminal investigation. Also pictured are council members Melanie Haswell, center, and Robert “Bushwacker” Gorrell, who are not involved in the investigation.

SHADYSIDE — Shadyside Councilman Sam Carpino is the subject of a criminal investigation stemming from the purchase of a tractor owned by a public board.

The investigation stems from an allegedly illegal purchase of a tractor from the former Shadyside Water Board in July 2022.

That board ceased to exist once Village Administrator Erica Tamburin was hired, eliminating the need for a village water board. Under Ohio law, a village must have either an administrator or a board to handle public affairs such as providing water service.

The allegation against Carpino came to light recently when a village employee was reviewing finances records and noticed the sale.

“I don’t want to say what employee brought it to light because I don’t want it to discourage anyone else because, since then, more allegations have come to light,” Tamburin said.

At Monday’s council meeting, Tamburin asked Police Chief Don Collette if he would be able to report on the open criminal investigation of Carpino. Collette confirmed that the investigation is open and that he has collected evidence and turned it over to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office. He said he cannot investigate village employees because he also is a village employee.

“About a week ago I got a report and it was brought to light by another employee about some stuff that went on. Basically, it was a deal behind closed doors on a sale of village property that shouldn’t have been,” Collette said.

In light of the allegation, village council asked Carpino to step down from his position as a councilman. Carpino refused.

Mayor Robert Newhart said he has not asked Carpino to step down because he believes in due process and that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

During a phone interview Tuesday, Carpino said the water board was selling a tractor and he made an offer that the board accepted.

“They told me to bring the check to the secretary, which I paid cash for and I do have a receipt of the sale,” Carpino said. “I purchased the tractor from the board, which I was not a board member of. I made an offer and thought at some point they would take care of everything, but I guess it wasn’t done right.”

Collette forwarded all evidence gathered to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff David Lucas said the case will be investigated by Chief Detective Ryan Allar but had no further comment.