Saturday, June 18, 2011

Judge Accused Of Fixing Foreclosure Case Found Guilty Of Corruption Charges; Co-Defendant Facing 22 Years Copped Earlier Plea & Testified Against Him

In Akron, Ohio, WEWS-TV Channel 5 reports:
  • The Cuyahoga County judge charged in the county corruption investigation for allegedly fixing a foreclosure case has been found guilty on three of the five charges he was facing. The federal jury returned the verdict against Judge Steven Terry shortly before 2 p.m. Monday in Akron. Terry, who was facing five charges, was found guilty of counts one, three and four – which were related to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud.

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  • During closing arguments Friday, the prosecutor said there are recorded phone conversations between Terry and former Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo that proved Terry was corrupt. [...] Russo, who is facing 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to his role in the corruption scandal, testified earlier this week that he gave campaign contributions to Terry and expected to get benefits, like favorable rulings, in return.(1)

For the story, see Cuyahoga County Judge Steven Terry found guilty of mail fraud in corruption case.

(1) Given his admitted 'track record' of 'expecting benefits', Russo no doubt will be expecting benefits (in the form of a prison sentence 'buydown') for 'bellying up' and giving testimony to sink his robe-wearing confederate.