The FBI arrested a local lawyer and four members of the Toledo, Ohio city council on Tuesday for their alleged involvement in a bribery and extortion scheme.
Tyrone Riley, Yvonne Harper, Garrick “Gary” Johnson, Larry Sykes and Keith Mitchell were charged with bribery and extortion in a federal criminal complaint after a two-year investigation, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“As alleged in the lawsuit, four members of the Toledo City Council and a local attorney have participated in a bribery payment scheme that involves bribes for Council votes,” US Attorney Justin Herdman said in a statement to Fox News. on Wednesday. “Maintaining the public’s trust in its elected officials is one of the main responsibilities of the Department of Justice.”
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The FBI began its investigation into members of the Toledo City Council in 2018 for allegedly requesting or accepting money or other things of value from local companies in exchange for their votes.
Harper reportedly applied for nearly $ 16,000, the highest sum of council members. He also faces charges of illegal interstate communications with the intent to extort money.
The bribes were allegedly paid through Mitchell, the attorney who allegedly oversaw the distribution of funds.
One event investigated by the FBI was the payment presented to four city council members by a local business owner seeking a Special Use Permit for an internet café. The request was approved by the city council with unanimous consent, the Justice Department said.
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“Toledo residents should know, like all other residents of the Northern District of Ohio, that where there are allegations of public corruption and bribery, we and our federal partners will always be there,” said Herdman.
At a press conference, Herdman said that bribery charges carry a maximum charge of 10 years and that extortion carries another maximum sentence of 20 years. Both charges also carry a $ 250,000 fine.
The FBI said it used confidential informants, recorded phone calls and text messages, along with analyzing financial, business and government records during its investigation.
All council members were released with a $ 50,000 bonus.
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City Council President Matt Cherry and Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz have called for the resignation of council members.
According to a Justice Department spokesperson, a confidential source approached the FBI with information related to the bribery scheme in which City Council members allegedly participated. The source was a former business owner with knowledge of bribery and extortion, the spokesperson told Fox News on Wednesday. .
“The elected officials are elected by the people, to serve the people, not to serve their own financial interests,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI will continue efforts to eradicate public corruption so that citizens can have faith and trust in their public officials.”
