The political fate of Clermont County Commissioner Mary Walker has become uncertain after a special prosecutor has been named to investigate the possibility of an ethics breech.

Walker, who was named in an audit from State Auditor Mary Taylor for possibly violating ethics law, could face jail time and fines for allegedly approving the payment of county funds to companies and organizations owned or operated by family members.

According to the audit, Walker approved approximately $650,000 in payments that could have benefitted either her husband or son in their business or professional endeavors. While the audit fell short of suggesting a breech in ethics, it did suggest that the county embark on a policy change to prevent the potential for a future ethics breech of this nature. However, an investigation by the Ohio Ethics Commission may result in charges being filed in at least one of these instances.