Mayor on leave after sexual imposition charge

The mayor of a village in Warren County, who allegedly repeatedly grabbed a woman's butt before a council meeting in April, has taken a leave of absence until July 14.

Harveysburg Village Mayor Richard Verga told the village council in a note on May 22 that he would be taking a leave of absence effective immediately.

Verga was arrested May 21 and charged with sexual imposition, a misdemeanor, as a result of a complaint filed by Harveysburg Village Clerk Carol Nelson.

Nelson claims Verga grabbed her buttocks three times before a council meeting on April 28.

Lt. Eric Johnson of the Warren County Sheriff's Office said the investigation on the mayor began May 5.

Verga pled not guilty during his arraignment May 22. During the arraignment, it was agreed by the state and Verga's attorney that he will not be in contact with Nelson. He could, however, attend council meetings if the council agrees.

He is scheduled to appear for a pre-trail hearing June 11.

Verga's four-year term as mayor is set to expire at the end of 2015.

Harveysburg is a village in Massie Township. It is best known for being the home of the Ohio Renaissance Festival.