Man’s body identified

Man’s body identified

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning County Coroner’s Office identified a body found Sunday morning near West Side railroad tracks as Jason R. Cannistra, 37, of Hubbard.

A news release from the coroner said Cannistra was identified through tattoos and scars described by family members.

Cannistra’s body was found about 7:30 a.m. by a CSX train engineer at Waverly Avenue and Imperial Street.

An autopsy is scheduled for today.

Chief of Detectives Capt. Brad Blackburn said investigators did not find any signs of foul play where the body was found.

Ex-exec’s trial starts

YOUNGSTOWN

Testimony began Monday in the trial of the former executive director of the Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership on public-corruption charges.

Richard Roller, 50, of Colonial Drive, 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. 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.

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