A misdemeanor charge of counterfeiting has been filed against former Goddard mayor Jamey Blubaugh, who resigned on Monday.

A statement from the Sedgwick County district attorney’s office Wednesday stated the charge against Blubaugh and his wife Elizabeth:

“. . . did then and there unlawfully manufacture, use, display, advertise, distribute or possess with the intent to distribute any item or device knowing such item or services bear or are identified by a counterfeit mark, to wit: 2019 Zoobilee tickets, and the retail value of such item or services is less than $1,000.”

The city of Goddard issued a statement Wednesday afternoon in response to the charges:

We understand that the former Mayor, who resigned Monday, August 3, 2020, is facing serious criminal charges. We also understand that these charges have no connection with any official action of the former Mayor. The City has no role in any decision to make these charges, and it has not conducted any investigation of these charges. Former Mayor Jamey Blubaugh, like any other individual, is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

We fully support law enforcement officials, and have expressed our commitment to cooperate with th e District Attorney’s office to find the truth of the allegations.  We recognize that Goddard City officials expect to be held accountable for any actions that reflect badly on the City. These charges serve as an important reminder that no one is above the law. The citizens of Goddard deserve public servants acting with integrity.

We look forward to justice being served in all cases where the public’s trust has been betrayed. We are disappointed that this event may overshadow the number of positive developments that are happening in the community. We are hopeful that the distraction will not obscure the growth and vitality of the community. These issues are entirely unconnected to the City, representing charges brought by the District Attorney against the former Mayor. N o City officer or employee, including the City Police, the City Attorney nor the City Prosecutor have or will play any role in these charges. No City resources will be used in connection with this matter, and the City expects no disruption to the functioning of City Government.

Blubaugh resigned at the end of Monday night’s city council meeting, and said it was because of conflicts with the city administrator.  He had been re-elected last November.