Sandusky County Sheriff Christopher Hilton appeared in uniform on Facebook Tuesday, urging Republican voters to support Prosecutor Beth Tischler’s bid for judge in the May 5 primary — one week before the election and days after TiffinOhio.net reported that Tischler had formally abated a $33,300 state audit finding against Judge Brad Smith with no repayment required.

“I really want the voters to understand and know that their local law enforcement leaders and I are in full support of Beth Tischler for judge,” Hilton said in the video. “I would like to ask all of you to join me next Tuesday, May 5th, in support of Beth Tischler for Sandusky County Court of Common Pleas judge.”

Hilton is not simply a supporter. According to campaign finance records on file with the Sandusky County Board of Elections, Hilton serves as Tischler’s campaign treasurer — a formal legal role that makes him responsible for managing and reporting all campaign funds on her behalf.

Hilton is also a documented participant in the same network of relationships TiffinOhio.net reported on last week. He was one of six Sandusky County officials who signed a March 6, 2023, letter to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost requesting approval of the abatement of Finding for Recovery 2020-001, a $33,300 state audit finding against Smith. That letter called Braun a “disgraced former prosecutor” and characterized the investigation as having been driven by Braun for “inappropriate or retaliatory reasons.” The Ohio Attorney General’s Office approved the abatement in April 2023. No repayment was ever required of Smith.

Smith is seeking re-election in the May 5 Republican primary for his seat on the Sandusky County Court of Common Pleas, Probate and Juvenile Division. Following TiffinOhio.net’s reporting on the abatement, Smith posted publicly on Facebook endorsing Tischler’s campaign, writing “#VoteForTheChangeWeNeedVoteBethTischler.” Tischler is challenging incumbent Judge Jeremiah Ray in the Republican primary for the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas.

The primary election is Tuesday, May 5.