Corrupt ex-county official in Ohio lands in prison

Friday November 16, 2012 3:15 PM

CLEVELAND (AP) — A former county official who pleaded guilty to corruption in 2010 in Ohio has started serving his nearly 22-year sentence.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons says ex-Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County Auditor Frank Russo reported Friday to the federal prison in Loretto, Pa.

Russo's prison reporting date was repeatedly postponed because federal prosecutors in Cleveland said they needed his testimony against other corruption targets.

Russo hopes his cooperation will trim his sentence.

Russo, a Democrat, pleaded guilty to charges including bribery, obstruction and tax fraud.

Russo was the star witness at the corruption trial of longtime political ally Jimmy Dimora. The former county commissioner was convicted and sentenced to 28 years.

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