Youngstown attorney testifies against extortion, obstruction charges in Cleveland

CLEVELAND

Atty. Neal Atway testified in his own defense Thursday in the federal court trial in which he and his downtown Youngstown law partner, Scott Cochran, are charged with extortion and obstructing justice.

Jury selection occurred Feb. 20 and opening statements Feb. 23, with the government concluding its case Wednesday in the trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr.

Atway, 47, of Youngstown, and Cochran, 43, of Austintown, could spend the rest of their lives in prison if they’re convicted.

They’re both charged with two counts each of violating the Hobbs Act — extortion by wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence or fear.

They also face two counts each of conspiring to tamper with a witness, victim or informant, and one count each of lying to FBI agents investigating this case.

A co-defendant, Mohd Rawhneh, 54, of Boardman, a convenience store owner, pleaded guilty last May to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and awaits sentencing.

The trial of Atway and Cochran will resume at 9 a.m. Monday.

Cochran is a former Mahoning County Bar Association president.

Read more about the case in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.