Press Conference (City of Athens) - March 30, 2026

The City of Athens, Ohio held a press conference on March 30, 2026, to provide an update on a significant cyber theft incident from November 2024, in which approximately $721,976 was stolen. City officials detailed the civil and criminal investigations, including a successful recovery of about $349,522 of the stolen funds through legal actions and mediation. They also discussed ongoing criminal proceedings involving two former active duty Air Force members indicted in a related cybercrime case. The city has implemented multiple cybersecurity improvements, including hardware replacement, multifactor authentication for all staff, and enhanced training programs. Financially, the city addressed cost overruns on a fire station construction project, noting that bond proceeds and a public safety levy will cover these expenses without additional taxpayer burden. Any recovered funds will be returned to the public safety capital fund, subject to city council appropriation. The city emphasized its commitment to preventing future cyber fraud and recovering stolen funds, while cooperating with state auditors and law enforcement.