Probe looks at Altiere

The maintenance director was a partner in the bar with a man convicted of paying him bribes.
By STEPHEN SIFF
and PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Prosecutors are investigating the relationship between Trumbull County Sheriff Thomas Altiere and Tony Delmont, the former county maintenance director who pleaded guilty last week to bribery, theft in office and money laundering.
Delmont spent several hours in the prosecutor's office Tuesday. Officials say he was asked many questions about Altiere, including if the sheriff was given items such as dinners and drinks for free.
Altiere said he used to frequent ITAM 33 Club, a bar Delmont operated on Chestnut Avenue in Warren. He said he sometimes saw Commissioner Joseph J. Angelo Jr. there.
Altiere said the drinks and food were not free.
"I believe I always paid for it," said Altiere. "Once in a while, people would buy a round. I always pay my bills."
Delmont could not be reached to comment. His attorney, Robert Shaker, declined to comment.
Partner in bar
In an affidavit filed in court last week, Delmont said he was a partner in the bar with Barry Jacobson, co-owner of Bedford Heights-based Envirochemical, Inc., which did millions of dollars worth of business with Trumbull County.
In the affidavit, Delmont said he took $17,000 from Jacobson to buy the club in March 2003, and that the payment influenced him to continue doing business with Jacobson's company. The club subsequently closed.
Angelo would not say if he frequented the establishment.
"I'm not going to answer any questions about the case," Angelo said.
Last week, Delmont pleaded guilty to bribery, money laundering and theft in office for allowing venders to overcharge the county by $400,000 over a four-year period, in exchange for bribes.
In an affidavit, Delmont said he was ordered by county commissioners and the county sheriff to take part in the maintenance supply scheme, and that he passed on much of his proceeds to higher-ups.
The commissioners and sheriff deny these allegations.
In the affidavit, Delmont also said he gave Altiere a VCR that had been given to him by Jacobson. Altiere said the VCR was raffled off at a campaign event.
Well-liked
Delmont, who rose to his $71,000-a-year job without a high school diploma, was known throughout the county administration building for his jovial manner and quick wit. He could often be found lounging in the office of Auditor David Hines.
"We were friends," Hines said. "I don't think there was anybody in the building who didn't like him."
Jacobson has pleaded guilty to bribery and theft in office and has agreed to repay the county $230,000. In a sworn statement, he admitted giving thousands of dollars to Delmont to distribute to elected county officials.
Sentencing for both Delmont and Jacobson has been postponed until the investigation is complete.
siff@vindy.comsinkovich@vindy.com