County Employee’s Contract Terminated

Following an investigation into allegations of favoritism at the Muskingum Respiratory Care Association and the Muskingum TB & Respiratory Clinic, the Muskingum County Commissioners have terminated an employee’s contract.

An investigation into the conduct of Crystal Bebout, who was the executive director of the TB clinic, found "sufficient evidence" to take disciplinary action against her. During executive session last Thursday, the commissioners received the recommendation from Anita Heckel with Muskingum County Human Resources.

In part, the recommendation read, "Ms. Bebout showed favoritism and/or created an appearance of favoritism." The investigation found that Bebout allowed personal relationships to "create an appearance of favoritism."

Additionally, the written recommendation stated Bebout "created several fraudulent documents at work."

The county commissioners hired outside council to represent them for the matter. Attorney, Jeff Stankunas of Isaac Wiles in Columbus said Bebout had a non-civil service contract. Which means she was under contract but has no right of appeal to her termination.

Her contract gives either party the right to end the "contract at any time without cause." To complete this action, Stankunas said Bebout had to be given 30 days prior notice to her termination date.

Neither the TB Clinic or Stankunas would confirm if the termination notice has been given. 

We left a message with Bebout that was not immediately returned.