Author Topic: Cuyahoga County: Corruption Probe (Read 65699 times)

CleveChiNola · « **Reply #245 on:** September 21, 2010, 05:51:12 AM »

^lets wait until a better source that the scene prints something credible. Or wait until there is a named source, or an allegation, or something

CBC · « **Reply #246 on:** September 23, 2010, 05:29:03 AM »

Jimmy Dimora went back to the commisioners meeting? Are you f'n kidding me?

Hts121 · « **Reply #247 on:** September 23, 2010, 05:41:23 AM »

He should have some class and resign. Even IF there is no impropriety, the appearance of impropriety is so strong that he cannot effectively carry out his duties IMO. If the county judges have to step down until this mess is cleared up, then so should he. The Federal Judge did put a restriction on his ability to vote on specific, enumerated matters

MyTwoSense · « **Reply #248 on:** September 23, 2010, 05:50:33 AM »

Quote from: Hts121 on September 23, 2010, 05:41:23 AM

He should have some class and resign. Even IF there is no impropriety, the appearance of impropriety is so strong that he cannot effectively carry out his duties IMO. If the county judges have to step down until this mess is cleared up, then so should he. The Federal Judge did put a restriction on his ability to vote on specific, enumerated matters

that fat ass needs to step down now, since he cares so much about the people of cuyahoga county!

CBC · « **Reply #249 on:** September 28, 2010, 04:46:11 AM »

And the drama continues. I couldn't make this stuff up. Not that is really a big deal in anyway however the timing on it is just perfect.

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/09/jimmy_dimora_collides_with_tim.html

Jimmy Dimora drives SUV into Tim Hagan's car in county building parking lot
Published: Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 11:30 AM Updated: Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 12:38 PM
Mark Puente, The Plain Dealer

The Plain Dealer Share Tweet 12 Comments CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora said his car slipped on the wet pavement outside the county Administration Building this morning and his car crashed into Commissioner Tim Hagan's car...

Hts121 · « **Reply #250 on:** September 28, 2010, 04:58:40 AM »

^Message sent

surfohio · « **Reply #251 on:** September 28, 2010, 09:48:45 AM »

Shame on those wealthy out of state patricians for corrupting our Cuyahoga County officials lol...

By your logic the voters support certain candidates or party because they love and admire a dysfunctional government.

Quote from: Boreas on September 17, 2010, 03:08:45 AM

cynical: The new Cuyahoga County government will have new ethical standards. That means that if someone is getting kickbacks in money or "other gifts" that there will be "disciplinary" process. The person could be fired or referred to prosecution. The old system did not have that.

The PD is putting FitzGerald's (sic) name in the editorial as a means of weakening him before the November election.

It obviously does not occur to the wealthy out-of-state patricians who own the Plain Dealer that the Democratic Party actually represents the values of the people in this part of the country and that's why we vote for them.

Hts121 · « **Reply #252 on:** October 14, 2010, 06:59:03 AM »

Anybody else see the guy with the megaphone, his body draped in signs, standing outside the justice center yesterday? I couldn't figure out where all the noise was coming from until I noticed him standing there. Boy... he was angry! Yelling about corrupt judges, officials, etc. Shouting "y'all gettin' played like some fools!" and things like that. I had to soak it in for a minute, just for the entertainment value if nothing else. He was gracious enough to stop pacing for a minute and pose for a shot with my cellphone camera. I will try to figure out how to post that picture later.

Clefan98 · « **Reply #253 on:** October 14, 2010, 07:58:37 AM »

Looks like Bill Mason is the next to go down. Is anyone at the top going to be left when the dust settles?

Mov2Ohio · « **Reply #254 on:** October 15, 2010, 03:31:50 AM »

^Hopefully not.

gottaplan · « **Reply #255 on:** October 18, 2010, 07:07:14 AM »

Can anyone tell me why Jimmy Dimora's lawyer thinks the Federal govt should pick up the tab for his defense? Or is this a misprint by the Plain Dealer?

Hts121 · « **Reply #256 on:** October 18, 2010, 07:18:25 AM »

Given the depth of the charges and the amount of paperwork involved, DiMora's defense would bankrupt a small nation. Plus, the Feds froze his assetts last month, precluding his ability to get a loan. While the thought of the taxpayers footing the bill (not really) for DiMora's defense is utterly nauseating, he has to have a lawyer (or his conviction would be overturned on appeal) and lawyers don't work for free. My guess is a compromise will be reached where DiMora's will be forced to file bankruptcy, liquidate his assetts, and cover the fees as best he can with the funds for court appointed defense lawyers paying the balance.

gottaplan · « **Reply #257 on:** October 19, 2010, 07:33:27 AM »

That's a long way to go to probably get found guilty of most charges. Wouldn't he have recognized this awhile ago and planned a way out to plead guilty to lesser charges, do the time, and at least come back in the near future to a beautiful home? Otherwise, I'd think the fool would have a million stockpiled somewhere to pay for his own damn defense...

Htsguy · « **Reply #258 on:** October 19, 2010, 07:40:49 AM »

^you are really putting the cart before the horse. Look what happen in Illinois...only guilty on one charge out of twenty and mistrial for the rest...and I am sure everybody there thought he was going to be guilty on all charges. I did following the case from a far.

Hts121 · « **Reply #259 on:** October 19, 2010, 07:53:39 AM »

^^How do you suppose that "million stockpiled" would not fall within the scope of assetts which were frozen?

gottaplan · « **Reply #260 on:** October 19, 2010, 08:59:52 AM »

stockpiled in a brother/sister/cousin's account for future use in his legal defense before he was charged... shoot he's had 2 years to set something like that up... don't you ever watch Sopranos? Tony gave Carmella the money and told her it was only to be used to "get him back" if needed...

Not to mention his first cousin owns a successful construction company in the area. That could certainly look legit if his cousin was paying for his defense...

Boreas · « **Reply #261 on:** October 19, 2010, 02:04:01 PM »

Plain Dealer is bragging that their front page photos are now being used in negative campaign ads. Way to go, Plain Dealer!! :sarcasm:

shs96 · « **Reply #262 on:** November 11, 2010, 04:19:45 AM »

19 Action News was just in my condo getting footage of our unit/view. We are next door to the old model which apparently was given to county executives to use, although I've lived here since the building was opened and never noticed any large parties. I did notice the door was open and lights were on a couple times later in the evening, but thought the agent just forgot to close it down.

MyTwoSense · « **Reply #263 on:** November 11, 2010, 07:51:21 AM »

Quote from: shs96 on November 11, 2010, 04:19:45 AM

19 Action News was just in my condo getting footage of our unit/view. We are next door to the old model which apparently was given to county executives to use, although I've lived here since the building was opened and never noticed any large parties. I did notice the door was open and lights were on a couple times later in the evening, but thought the agent just forgot to close it down.

Why was it given to county execs? Is there more to this?

surfohio · « **Reply #264 on:** November 11, 2010, 03:45:39 PM »

19 news....everywhere....

shs96 · « **Reply #265 on:** November 12, 2010, 01:23:12 AM »

Quote from: MyTwoSense on November 11, 2010, 07:51:21 AM

Quote from: shs96 on November 11, 2010, 04:19:45 AM
19 Action News was just in my condo getting footage of our unit/view. We are next door to the old model which apparently was given to county executives to use, although I've lived here since the building was opened and never noticed any large parties. I did notice the door was open and lights were on a couple times later in the evening, but thought the agent just forgot to close it down.

Why was it given to county execs? Is there more to this?

As a place to use that wasn't a hotel.

http://www.woio.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=5285137&at1=News&h1=County Corruption Investigation deathbed deposition&flvUri=&partnerclipid=

The part that makes me think "hmmm...not quite right" is they say they had use of the condo for 5 years when the building is only 3 years old. Plus, like I said, I never heard anything crazy going on there. I guess if they're going in there to just play poker and bang some hookers I wouldn't anyway, but something seems off.

trailblazer88 · « **Reply #266 on:** January 01, 2011, 03:37:45 PM »

Despite the corruption, I guess the Dems of Cuyahoga County are 'teflon-like' when it comes to elections.

Hts121 · « **Reply #267 on:** January 01, 2011, 03:52:53 PM »

I don't get this line of thought. It's not like cuyahoga county turned its back on liberal values just because a few politicians lined their pockets. If we would have elected DiMora to the county council or as the executive, that would have been a different story. But I certainly hope some fat guy's corrupt practices were not enough to transform us into Salt Lake City. That would be like saying how can you watch baseball anymore with the whole Bonds/McGuire/Sosa PED scandal. Sure... it will make you more skeptical, but I don't think many baseball fans are now watching crickett instead.

Emmie · « **Reply #268 on:** February 14, 2011, 08:25:55 AM »

Do we know when Frank Russo is going to be sent to prison? this is gonna sound weird, but I met him over the weekend, and kind of developed a little crush on him. He thinks I'm adorable, and I'd like to write him while he's away. And yes, I know he's gay!

gottaplan · « **Reply #269 on:** February 14, 2011, 09:06:05 AM »

Quote from: Emmie on February 14, 2011, 08:25:55 AM

I met him over the weekend, and kind of developed a little crush on him. He thinks I'm adorable, and I'd like to write him while he's away. And yes, I know he's gay!

I wonder if Sandy Klimkowski said the same thing when she first met Russo....? Just don't let him talk you into donating to his campaign fund...

gottaplan · « **Reply #270 on:** March 22, 2011, 01:51:09 AM »

Former Judge Bridget McCafferty headed to court today to defend against corruption charges. Anyone want to weigh in where they see this going? Sounds like the feds have a pretty tight case...? Wiretapped phone conversations, Russo is taking the stand as a witness.... I'd say she gets a guilty conviction but a light sentence

Hts121 · « **Reply #271 on:** March 22, 2011, 02:31:23 AM »

"Former" Judge Bridget McCafferty. She was not re-elected. Judge Terry is the one with the uncertain future.... at least as far as continuing to serve on the bench is concerned.

gottaplan · « **Reply #272 on:** March 22, 2011, 07:49:50 AM »

^corrected, thank you.

Classic line from her baliff during questioning today: 'I knew she was stressed & was worried because she was smoking". Haha. Bridget stepping out to puff on a camel light?

Htsguy · « **Reply #273 on:** March 22, 2011, 08:04:48 AM »

^"Stepping out"....actually you would be surprised at how many judges smoke (or at least use to) in their chambers or their bathrooms. Kinda ironic given it was against the law.

Htsguy · « **Reply #274 on:** March 23, 2011, 06:53:33 AM »

I am trying to follow this trial through PD articles posted on Cleveland.com and I am starting to question whether their coverage is completely accurate and fair, or at least is falling to give a complete picture of what is going on at trial (not a big surprise since their coverage of the County Corruption probe has always been slightly slanted from day one).

My biggest problem with the coverage is that they detail the prosecution's direct examination (which of course will be damaging), but don't followup with any summaries of the cross exam which can often inflict body blows to the direct exam. I am wondering if the defense is foregoing cross and recalling the witnesses in its case in chief since their is very little reporting of the cross. I wish I was there to observe.

Another example was the PD headline on the front page today...something like Russo testifies that he spoke with judge "regularly" about cases. I think his testimony was that it was something like 4 times a year which I would hardly classify as regularly, but headlining that makes it seem more damning. Of course she was an idiot for taking the calls and discussing in the first place but it does not surprise me knowing Judge McCafferty. Not the brightest light bulb in the pack.

gottaplan · « **Reply #275 on:** March 25, 2011, 01:19:35 PM »

Agreed, the coverage is very weak. When Detroit Free Press followed former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's saga, they had a reporter giving up to the minute blog updates on questioning & court details.

Former Judge McCafferty guilty on 10 counts of lying to FBI. What's the sentence going to be? Jail? Disbarment?

Htsguy · « **Reply #276 on:** March 25, 2011, 01:31:52 PM »

With the guilty verdict she will definitely be disbarred. The process will take 6 months to a year.

I also imagine she will get some jail time. A friend of mine caught up in all of this got 6 months, and he plead guilty to lying to the FBI. Since she went to trial I imagine she will get a stiffer sentence, especially since she was a judge. My guess 1-2 years.

gottaplan · « **Reply #277 on:** March 25, 2011, 02:26:35 PM »

what a waste of a half-assed career

Hts121 · « **Reply #278 on:** March 25, 2011, 03:18:09 PM »

I wonder how this is going to affect Judge Terry's approach to his upcoming trial...

E Rocc · « **Reply #279 on:** October 19, 2011, 03:26:42 AM »

Quote from: Htsguy on March 22, 2011, 08:04:48 AM

^"Stepping out"....actually you would be surprised at how many judges smoke (or at least use to) in their chambers or their bathrooms. Kinda ironic given it was against the law.

The last time I got jury duty, Cleveland already banned smoking in office buildings and you'd already see people outside doors. However, the jurors had a smoking room and it was up to the judges whether or not they allowed it in the hallways outside chambers. Most did.

The reason was the security involved getting in and out of the buildings, which made sense.

News:

Author Topic: Cuyahoga County: Corruption Probe (Read 65699 times)