Mayor, auditor mum after Cleveland arraignments; 3rd accused welcomes court airing

CLEVELAND

After being arraigned on numerous political corruption charges, Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally and Mahoning County Auditor Michael Sciortino let their attorney do the talking.

While attorney Martin Yavorcik — arraigned Thursday with the other two on charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, conspiracy, bribery, money laundering and tampering with records — let his attorney speak on his behalf, he also had something to say.

“I want the truth to come out,” said Yavorcik, speaking to the media for the first time about the May 14 indictment. “We’ve only seen one half. This is what they’re alleging. It isn’t what’s true. We’ll see what’s true in court.”

Yavorcik added: “It’s very frustrating. It’s more frustrating for my mom and dad. I’m fine with it. I’m a lawyer and this is what I do for a living. The process, I respect it. I respect this court.”

When asked if he denied any wrongdoing, Yavorcik said, “Absolutely.”

Yavorcik, McNally and Sciortino pleaded not guilty Thursday to 83 political corruption charges at a quick arraignment by Judge Pamela A. Barker in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

She set personal bond for each at $15,000. The three are not permitted to leave the state without court permission.

The case was assigned to Janet R. Burnside, a Cuyahoga Common Pleas judge since 1991, who unsuccessfully ran for the Ohio Supreme Court in 2002 after winning an uncontested Democratic primary.

Read the complete story in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.