Mar 12, 2025 By Mike Jones 4 min read

Washington County’s director of public relations, who was arrested in a prostitution sting operation Friday night in Ohio, has resigned from his job hours after county officials placed him on leave.

Patrick Geho submitted his resignation Tuesday night after he was suspended with pay earlier in the day when the county commissioners learned of his arrest in Columbiana County, where authorities there said he responded to an online ad promising sex with two women, which was actually an undercover sting operation.

“While this is now a matter for the Ohio courts, Pat and the commissioners understand that his continued employment would serve only as a distraction,” Commission Chairman Nick Sherman said in a joint statement on behalf of the board. “Consequently, Pat has made the decision to leave his position, a decision we all agree is in the best interest of the people of Washington County.”

County solicitor Gary Sweat said he spoke to Sherman late Monday night and suggested he contact his fellow commissioners, Electra Janis and Larry Maggi, to notify them about the situation. Sweat then advised that Geho immediately be suspended with pay while the county reviewed the incident until officials made a final determination on his job status.

“I believe (human resources) is going to want to interview him and get his take on what happened,” Sweat said early Tuesday afternoon. “Has he been honest with the commissioners? And (the commissioners) will have to discuss what they’ll do with him next.”

But hours later, Geho made the decision for them by submitting his resignation letter, which the commissioners accepted. Geho was not in the office Tuesday, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation. He could not be reached for comment to discuss the charges or his decision to resign.

Before Geho resigned, Janis called the allegations “deeply troubling” and said he was placed on leave so as not to distract from county business.

“Mr. Geho’s alleged actions have undermined the clear and non-negotiable standards of professionalism and ethics that apply to everyone serving in government,” Janis said in a written statement.

Maggi also said he was disappointed with the news and expected a decision on Geho’s future would come soon.

“This is a sad time and a blemish on the good things going on in Washington County,” Maggi said. “We need to move on and get this behind us.”

Geho, 54, of North Strabane Township, was booked Friday night in the Columbiana County Jail on charges of engaging in prostitution and possession of criminal tools before being released on his own recognizance Monday morning after being arraigned and scheduled for a June 2 pre-trial hearing. He apparently returned to work Monday and emailed a press release to the media in the afternoon about today’s real estate expo before county officials learned of his arrest.

According to court documents, Geho responded to an online ad produced by undercover police officers on a known prostitution website and arranged a meetup with two women for sexual favors in exchange for $250. Geho traveled to East Palestine, Ohio, and was arrested by officers from the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, who set up the sting.

The cellphone Geho allegedly used to set up the meeting was confiscated by police officers, according to court documents, along with $250 in cash. At some point, he identified himself as the director of public relations for Washington County.

Geho served as Sherman’s administrative assistant in the county for four years before he was promoted in January 2024 to serve as the county’s public relations director. His salary was set at $82,000 when he was hired for the position, which the commissioners created for Geho.