BOARDMAN  A former Boardman Township employee appeared in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday and entered a plea of not guilty to two felony counts of theft in office.

Michael Carkido, 51, of Poland, was indicted by a Mahoning County grand jury. The charges are two third-degree felonies.

Carkido's bond was set at $10,000 and a further hearing is scheduled for Oct. 31.

The charges stem from an investigation that began in March 2025. According to a Mahoning County Court affidavit, Carkido, a former township mechanic, is accused of using township funds for personal purchases. The investigation began after low-profile performance tires, not used on Boardman Township vehicles, were found in the garage.

An internal audit of purchasing records for police department parts and equipment between January 2024 and March 2025 found irregularities. The affidavit stated that investigators found Carkido's son owned a vehicle compatible with some of the purchased parts. Auto Zone purchase records also showed purchases for parts not compatible with any of the township's vehicles.

Investigators allege Carkido operated a side business repairing vehicles and used a tire changer at the township garage for this purpose. Carkido resigned from his position in April 2025 amid the investigation.