In a major development for the city of East Cleveland, Mayor Brandon King and former City Councilman Ernest Smith have been indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on a series of charges related to alleged criminal activities conducted while in office. This marks a significant blow to East Cleveland’s leadership, with the charges raising serious concerns about corruption and misuse of public funds.
Multiple Charges Against Mayor Brandon King:
Mayor King, who has served as East Cleveland’s mayor since 2016, faces 16 criminal charges, including:
•Two counts of Theft in Office (F4)
•Four counts of Having an Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract (two F4, two M1)
•Four counts of Representation by a Public Official or Employee (M1)
•One count of Filing a False Disclosure Statement (M1)
•One count of Soliciting Improper Compensation (M1)
According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, King used his position to authorize payments and contracts that benefited a business owned by him and his family. One of the key allegations is that King approved leasing office space for the city’s Domestic Violence Department from his family business, costing the city more than $14,000 annually. In addition, the city is said to have purchased $6,000 worth of cleaning supplies from a company owned by King’s family. These deals are seen as clear violations of public trust.
Council’s Role in Exposing Misconduct
Eric J. Brewer, Clerk of the East Cleveland City Council, stated that for two years, the council had been working to gather evidence and inform the authorities about the corruption. “We made sure the appropriate authorities were aware of what was happening to protect the residents,” said Brewer. His comments underscore the council’s commitment to ensuring accountability in the city’s governance.
Former City Councilman Ernest Smith faces charges including:
•One count of Theft in Office (F4)
•Two counts of Theft (F5)
•One count of Soliciting Improper Compensation (M1)
•One count of Misuse of Credit Cards (M1)
Smith was accused of improperly using city resources, including being provided a city vehicle and gas cards, allegedly authorized by King. While Smith maintains that these were used solely for city business, the charges paint a different picture, leading to questions about his actions during his time in office.
If convicted, both King and Smith could face significant penalties. In King’s case, a conviction would disqualify him from holding any public office for the next seven years. Moreover, the prosecutor’s office has announced plans to request the Ohio Supreme Court to suspend King from his duties as mayor until the case reaches a verdict.
King and Smith are scheduled to appear in court for their arraignments on October 25, 2024. Until then, King’s future as mayor remains in limbo, as many question his ability to govern effectively while under criminal indictment.
The news of the indictments has sent shockwaves through the East Cleveland community. Twon Billings, the City Council President, expressed relief at the charges, stating that new leadership is essential for the city’s recovery. “It’s clear why there’s been so much chaos. This was setting us up for failure,” Billings said.
Residents like Stacey White echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope for a more just and transparent administration. “The city has struggled for too long. We need to breathe. Justice is long overdue,” said White.
However, the community remains divided. Lateek Shabazz, a Ward 3 City Councilman, pointed out that while some residents are saddened by the situation, others are relieved. “Half of us are sad, half of us are glad,” he said. Shabazz urged for unity, calling for bygones to be bygones and for the community to focus on moving forward.
As the city prepares for what could be a lengthy legal battle, East Cleveland faces a critical moment. With its leadership under scrutiny, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability. Ken Myers, an attorney for the City Council, highlighted the broader concerns facing the city, stating, “The city’s got enough problems without worrying about someone under criminal indictment acting like everything is normal.”
In an email to residents, Brewer reassured them that the city’s government would not collapse in the wake of the mayor’s legal troubles. “There is a plan in place to ensure continuity. Compliance and good governance will be restored,” he stated.
