The Stow Bureau of Motor Vehicles — which abruptly closed on Jan. 4 when its deputy registrar resigned — has reopened for business.
The office at Fishcreek and Graham roads closed without notice or explanation.
Later in the month, it was announced that Alfred Mason, Jr. who had served as deputy registrar since 2007, was indicted by the Summit County prosecutor’s office for possible misconduct.
The Stow office was closed until the state could find a new deputy registrar, as an office cannot be open without one in place.
The office reopened Friday and is now open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A grand opening will be held Monday to show off the offices, which were renovated by the new Deputy Registrar, Cynthia Rhodes.
Mason was arraigned Jan. 22 on a secret indictment, dated Dec. 21, for one count of “unauthorized use of computer, cable or telecommunication property.” He is accused of gaining access to or attempting to gain access to a computer or system “beyond the scope of the express or implied consent of the owner” of the computer or system, the indictment said. He was released on a signature bond.
The fifth degree felony is punishable by six to 12 months in jail, if convicted.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Thursday in Summit County Common Pleas Court. Judge Tammy O’Brien is handling the case.
The state contracts with deputy registrars to run independent offices that provides drivers licenses, permits, titles and other services at locations throughout Ohio.
The Stow office employed eight besides Mason.
Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her @blinfisherABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/BettyLinFisherABJ and see all her stories at www.ohio.com/betty