Beachys charged with fraud

By Jane Beathard

Staff Writer

Owners of the former Beachy Cabinet Company near Plain City were arraigned in Madison County Common Pleas Court on Monday, charged with eight counts of defrauding the state’s workers’ compensation system between 2006 and 2011.

Defense attorney Kevin Conners, of Columbus, entered not guilty pleas for Randall Beachy, 50, 6120 Taylor Blair Road, Plain City, and wife Linda, 49.

Mrs. Beachy served on the Jonathan Alder Local Schools Board of Education from 1996 to 2010, according to district records.

The county grand jury indicted the couple on June 14, following an investigation of business dealings at the custom cabinet shop at 8005 Lafayette-Plain City Road. The business is now closed and the phone is disconnected.

Assistant Ohio Attorney General Jennifer Brumby was appointed special prosecutor in the case.

Judge Robert D. Nichols released the Beachys on signature bonds and set a trial for Aug. 28. He noted the joined cases may be separated for trial, meaning Conners cannot represent both Beachys in the future.

A check of Madison County court records showed a list of financial judgments against the Beachys by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, as well as the Ohio Department of Taxation and several financial institutions.

The criminal charges are fourth and fifth-degree felonies, based on dollar amounts involved in the alleged fraud. If convicted, the Beachys are likely to be placed on community control.