Ohio county official charged in corruption case

CLEVELAND (AP) — A politically powerful county official was charged with bribery today in a widening two-year federal investigation of public corruption.

The U.S. attorney’s office said Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo was charged in a 21-count criminal information, which usually signals a plea deal is pending.

Russo told county commissioners that he had resigned, according to Russo’s office and Commissioner Tim Hagan.

Russo’s attorney said he would not comment until Friday, after the Rosh Hashana holiday.

The investigation has rocked the Democratic-controlled county government and spurred a voter-approved change in government from three commissioners to a county executive and council, effective in January.

More than 30 people have been charged, including county employees, retirees and contractors, with most pleading guilty.

The offices and homes of Russo and a political ally and friend, county Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, were searched in 2008, the first public hint of the investigation. The two were identified early in the probe as targets.

Dimora, former county Democratic chairman, has not been charged and has denied any wronging.

Federal prosecutors said the 60-year-old Russo was charged in numerous bribery schemes beginning in 1998 through May 2009 while serving as auditor.

The charges include 14 bribery-related counts, obstruction, mail fraud, conspiracy and tax fraud.