Ferris Kleem, a contractor from Berea, Ohio, has been dealt a heavy blow by the justice system after being sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in a bribery scheme. The sentence, which also includes a fine of $250,000 and an order to pay $24,000 in restitution to Cuyahoga County, is a stark reminder of the consequences of corruption.
Kleem, 54, was convicted of one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. His conspiracy spanned from 2006 through July 28, 2008, during which he provided valuable items to Cuyahoga County officials in exchange for their help in securing official acts that would benefit him and his interests.
The court documents detail a series of corrupt exchanges. In 2006, Kleem sought the assistance of County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora and County Auditor Frank Russo to obtain a county grant for the construction of a pedestrian bridge at Coe Lake in Berea. The bid was successful, with the city of Berea ultimately awarded a $150,000 grant.
Two years later, Kleem used his influence to have Dimora make inquiries into a smoking violation at his brother’s restaurant. And in 2008, he arranged a trip to Las Vegas for Dimora and Russo, providing them with cash for airfare and gambling, securing their stay in luxury suites by ensuring they were ‘comped’—a term used when hotel rooms are given away to guests who spend enough money on the property.
In Las Vegas, Kleem further corrupted the officials by giving Dimora approximately $3,500 in gaming chips and hiring a prostitute for him. The extent of his influence was also evidenced by his discussions with Dimora about bids for work on the county’s Juvenile Justice Center project, which led to a specific inspector being assigned to the Snow Road resurfacing project.
The case against Kleem was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Antoinette T. Bacon, Ann C. Rowland, and Nancy L. Kelley, following an investigation conducted by the FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigation.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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