March 29, 11

NEWS / Solon Resident Accused of Paying Bribes to Former Cuyahoga County Officials

A criminal information was filed charging Charles J. Randazzo with Hobbs Act conspiracy for paying bribes to former Cuyahoga County officials Jimmy Dimora and Frank Russo, federal officials announced today.

Randazzo, 62, of Solon, Ohio, was the managing member of Financial Networks of America (FNA), which offered insurance and other financial products, according to the information.

From 2000 through July 28, 2008, Randazzo conspired with Dimora and Russo through which Randazzo provided the men with outdoor furnishings, meals, wine, tickets to sporting events, and other things to which they were not entitled, according to the information.

Randazzo sought to have Cuyahoga County as an FNA client. Russo used his position to introduce Randazzo to an employee in the country payroll department, according to the information.

In June 2004, Randazzo provided Russo and Dimora with $1,079.14 each for the purchase of artificial palm trees. Dimora subsequently used the money to purchase a tiki hut for this back yard, according to the information.

In August 2004, the Cuyahoga County Commissioner, including Dimora, voted in favor of selecting FNA as the county’s deferred compensation provider.

Randazzo caused FNA to provide Dimora wine, food, and meals periodically from 2004 through 2008, according to the information. In March 2008, FNA provided Dimora’s relative tickets to a Cleveland Cavaliers game, including complimentary beer, wine, and food, according to the information.

This case is part of the ongoing investigation into corruption in Cuyahoga County. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Antoinette Thomas Bacon and Nancy L. Kelley following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service.

http://cleveland.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel11/cl032811.html