Yavorcik can represent himself in Oakhill trial

CLEVELAND

The judge overseeing the Oakhill Renaissance Place criminal-corruption trial agreed today to let defendant Martin Yavorcik, an attorney, represent himself.

The decision from Judge Janet R. Burnside of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court came after a hearing today in Cleveland to consider Yavorcik’s Feb. 4 request.

As part of that request, Mark Lavelle agreed to withdraw as Yavorcik’s attorney.

The case is scheduled to start Feb. 29.

Yavorcik and attorneys for Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally and ex-Mahoning County Auditor Michael V. Sciortino, the case’s two other defendants, have pleaded not guilty to 53 total counts including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, conspiracy, bribery, perjury, money laundering and tampering with records.

An indictment accuses the three of being part of a criminal enterprise that conspired to stop or impede the relocation of a county agency from a building owned by a Cafaro Co. subsidiary to Oakhill, the former Forum Health Southside Hospital owned by the county.

For the complete story, read Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com