Testimony begins in Roller corruption trial

YOUNGSTOWN — Testimony has begun in the case against the former executive director of the Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership on public corruption charges.

Richard Roller, 50, of Colonial Drive in Liberty, faces charges of unlawful interest in a public contract, theft in office, grand theft and soliciting or receiving improper compensation.

The case is being heard by a visiting judge in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. A jury was picked this morning

The charges were filed in 2010.

Roller is accused of using deception to obtain benefits from the state and also using his influence to help his brother secure a public contract.