Former Stark County Sheriff Timothy Swanson has filed a lawsuit challenging whether the recently appointed sheriff meets experience and education requirements .

The Stark County Auditor tells the Canton Repository that because of the pending lawsuit, his office cannot recognize George T. Maier as the new county sheriff until a decision is made by the Ohio Supreme Court.

That means that the office will not pay him his salary and will not process approvals made by Maier which includes new hires.

Stark County Auditor Alan Harold says he believes this is safest route to take until the court gives the county some direction in the matter.

Maier replaced Swanson after the man who won the November election, Michael McDonald, could not take office due to health reasons.

On the web: www.cantonrep.com