Jared Smith at the Marietta, Ohio Gold Star Families Memorial Monument located at Gold Star Park, 801 Lancaster St, Marietta. (File Poto)

MARIETTA – Complaints filed against Washington County Veterans Service Commissioner Jared Smith were discussed at a meeting this week, but no action was taken.

However, Executive Director Darren Shearlock said he thinks it would be best if Smith was removed from the commission.

According to the commission Executive Director Darren Shearlock, the commission makes a motion on an agenda item in order for it to go into effect. He said during the meeting, the commission made the decision not to take any action on the complaints.

Shearlock confirmed there were multiple formal complaints submitted to the Washington County Common Pleas Court.

Contacted about the situation Friday, Smith declined to comment at this time.

Smith has been with the commission for about 10 years and has filled various positions over the years. He served as president from 2021-23.

Smith has also served for about 10 years on the Ohio State Association of Veterans Service Commissioners, according to his public LinkedIn profiles.

Shearlock said law enforcement with the Marietta Police Department were requested to be present at Tuesday’s meeting due to threats Smith reportedly made to other commissioners.

“There was no violence at the meeting; everything was calm,” said Shearlock.

Shearlock said there were attendees at the meeting inquiring why Smith was being asked to resign from his position.

He said there was some back and forth during the meeting about Smith’s use of profanity during previous meetings in which he made strong remarks against Washington County Commissioner Greg Nohe. Shearlock said those remarks were discussed on Tuesday.

Nohe and fellow county Commissioners Charlie Schilling and Eddie Place were present at Tuesday’s meeting.

When asked about the meeting and the agenda, Smith said he had no comments at this time.

Shearlock said he thinks it would be best if Smith were removed.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com