East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King and Former Councilman Ernest Smith Convicted on Corruption Charges

C&P Newswire

In a significant development for East Cleveland, Mayor Brandon King and former City Councilman Ernest Smith were convicted on multiple corruption-related charges following a jury trial that concluded on May 29.

Brandon King, 56, was found guilty on 10 of 12 counts, including:

• Theft in Office
• Having an Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract
• Representation by a Public Official or Employee
• Filing a False Disclosure Statement
• Soliciting or Receiving Improper Compensation

The charges stemmed from allegations that King authorized over $76,000 in city contracts and payments to businesses owned by himself or his family, including King Management Group and American Merchandising Services. 

Ernest Smith, 49, was convicted on all five counts he faced:

• Theft in Office
• Theft
• Soliciting or Receiving Improper Compensation
• Misuse of Credit Cards

Smith was accused of misusing a city vehicle and fuel cards for personal use, resulting in unauthorized fuel purchases totaling $6,791. 

Both King and Smith are disqualified from holding public office for seven years from the date of conviction.  Sentencing is scheduled for June 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center. 

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley commented on the verdicts, stating, “Mayor King’s conviction was inevitable. The citizens of East Cleveland deserve better than what their municipal government has provided them. I am hopeful, under the new leadership of Mayor Sandra Morgan, that the city is now headed in the right direction.” 

King’s attorney, Charles Tyler Sr., expressed disappointment with the verdict, asserting that the evidence did not support the jury’s decision and indicating plans to appeal.  Smith also maintained his innocence, attributing the charges to political motivations. 

This case marks another chapter in East Cleveland’s ongoing challenges with political and financial instability. King, who was suspended from office following his indictment, will not be reinstated. Sandra Morgan, appointed as interim mayor earlier this year, continues to lead the city and is a candidate in the upcoming municipal election.