Step up the probe to lift dark cloud over Trumbull

In January, we pushed for expediency and due diligence in the Trumbull County prosecutor's investigation into allegations of illicit purchasing practices in county government.
That was more than four months ago.
With Tony Delmont, former county maintenance director, admitting his guilt this week to charges of theft in office, bribery and money laundering -- and signing an affidavit that accuses some of Trumbull County government's heaviest hitters of wrongdoing -- we now firmly renew that call to Dennis Watkins and company to proceed aggressively, deliberately and quickly.
Delmont's three-page affidavit, on file in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, doesn't identify anybody by name but rather by position. He says the sheriff and/or commissioners directed him to give thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to various elected officials.
During the time period in question, Thomas Altiere was the sheriff, and he is still the sheriff; James Tsagaris, Joseph Angelo and Michael O'Brien were county commissioners. Tsagaris and Angelo are still commissioners, and O'Brien is now the mayor of Warren. These men are among Trumbull County government's elite.
What affidavit says
For the record, Delmont's affidavit contends the following:
UHe allowed janitorial supply companies to overcharge the county at the explicit direction of higher officials.
UAll vendors he worked with were approved by commissioners or the sheriff.
UThe vendors kicked back thousands of dollars in cash to him to benefit him and the other county officials.
UFailure to do what he was told would threaten his employment.
Denials
Altiere, Tsagaris, Angelo and O'Brien all deny any wrongdoing and say they have no idea what Delmont is talking about.
Clearly, somebody is lying. If it turns out to be Delmont, then hopefully his plea agreement will give officials some leverage to deal with him. (He received a prison sentence of one to three years, but that can grow to 10 years if he fails to cooperate with prosecutors). If the liars turn out to be one or more of the county officials mentioned -- or others -- they also should be dealt with.
That's why it is of utmost importance for Watkins and those helping with this probe -- the state attorney general's office, the state auditor's office and the FBI -- to step up their efforts.
A dark cloud hangs over Trumbull County.
The reputations of some of its most-prominent elected officials are on the line.
The taxpayers of Trumbull County deserve answers, and they shouldn't have to wait another four months to get them.