Arraignments for seven in Oakhill case set for Tuesday

The seven people indicted on numerous charges accusing them of illegally allowing private interests to unsuccessfully block Mahoning County’s purchase of Oakhill Renaissance Place will be arraigned Tuesday morning.

The seven are all expected to plead not guilty in front of Judge Maureen Sweeney of county common pleas court. After the arraignments, the cases will be assigned to a common pleas court judge. Because of the involvement of public officials, it’s likely that the five criminal common pleas court judges will recuse themselves and seek the appointment of a visiting judge.

The charges include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, conspiracy, perjury, bribery, money laundering, tampering with records, conflict of interest and soliciting or accepting improper compensation.

Those charged are: county Commissioner John A. McNally IV; county Auditor Michael V. Sciortino; Anthony M. Cafaro, retired president of the Cafaro Co.; Flora Cafaro, part owner of the Cafaro Co.; ex-county Treasurer John Reardon; Atty. Martin Yavorcik; and John Zachariah, former county Job and Family Services director.

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com