Thursday, December 16, 2010
Associated Press
CLEVELAND
A former county official who pleaded guilty in a corruption investigation has been sentenced to nearly 22 years in prison.
Ex-Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo was sentenced Wednesday in Cleveland federal court by Judge Kathleen O’Malley.
Russo struck a late deal with the government which could reduce his sentence in return for his agreement to cooperate in the investigation, which also led to an indictment of political ally, county Commissioner Jimmy Dimora.
Russo, a Democrat, pleaded guilty in September. He admitted taking more than $1 million in bribes to steer government contracts and hire political cronies.
Dimora faces trial next year on bribery charges.