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| Former County Commissioner Ross goes on trial for corruption |
| By northcoastnow.com |
| Published: 11/10/2009 |
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ELYRIA — Nearly four years after he was first indicted on corruption charges, former Lorain County Commissioner Michael Ross went on trial Monday. Ross, 45, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in the case and his attorney, Michael Nelson, urged jurors to clear Ross of the 22 charges — two counts each of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, conspiracy, three counts each of bribery and failure to file a tax return, four counts of money laundering and eight counts of unlawful interest in a public contract. Prosecutors contend that Ross made a great deal of money off county deals, particularly those involving his former associate, Larry Jones, who is expected to be the first witness on the stand today. Jones is already serving time in a federal prison after pleading guilty in 2007 to federal bank fraud and money laundering charges for bilking banks out of nearly $2 million in bank loans to keep his business, Erie Shores Computers Inc., afloat. He has also pleaded guilty to charges of bribing Ross and has agreed to testify against the former commissioner, who lost his 2000 re-election bid. During his four years as commissioner, prosecutors say, Ross received a great deal of money from his dealing with Jones, who had several computer contracts with the county. Ross also once worked as Jones’ attorney. Read More. |
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