BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – A former Belmont County commissioner’s son pleaded guilty Tuesday in an arraignment before Belmont County Eastern Division County Court Judge David Trouten to charges related to the destruction of his father’s opponent’s campaign signs last fall.
Isaiah James Meyer, 25, of Martins Ferry, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of criminal damaging/endangering Tuesday morning.
Belmont County Commissioner Vince Gianangeli tells River News Network that Isaiah James Meyer previously admitted to destroying and vandalizing his campaign signs in October in a spree across multiple locations in Belmont County. Gianangeli says he was running as the Republican candidate for commissioner against Isaiah James Meyer’s father, then incumbent commissioner Josh Meyer.
At the arraignment Tuesday, Trouten asked Isaiah James Meyer if Josh Meyer was his father and stated that he had a professional relationship with him and the victim (Gianangeli). Trouten asked Isaiah James Meyer if he believed this presented a conflict of interest to which he replied no.
Gianangeli said this is the first time in the history of Belmont County that someone was caught destroying campaign signs. Belmont County Democratic Party officials claimed people were stealing their campaign signs across the county during the 2024 campaign and said they would offer the thieves a free meal in jail.
Enjoy a free meal in jail if you steal a campaign sign in Belmont County
Trouten continued Isaiah James Meyer’s sentencing until Feb. 6 to allow Gianangeli to make a victim impact statement and for the court to consider restitution.
Trouten said each of the three counts could carry up to a 90-day jail sentence and $750 each in fines.
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