CLEVELAND –Jacqueline K. Middleton, 69, of Shaker Heights, the former head of the Council of Economic Opportunities of Greater Cleveland (CEOGC), has pleaded guilty to accepting over $23,000 in bribes for steering contracts to specific contractors.
The admission comes as a result of an investigation by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. Middleton faces charges including honest services fraud, bribery in federally funded programs, and Hobbs Act Conspiracy.
Middleton served as CEO of CEOGC, an organization aimed at serving low-income individuals in Cuyahoga County and Greater Cleveland. During her tenure from 2008 to 2012, she enriched herself by soliciting gifts and payments from contractors who did business with CEOGC. The value of these gifts and payments exceeded $23,000.
According to court documents, Middleton provided favorable action for Contractor No. 1 and Contractor No. 2 in exchange for over $12,017 and approximately $11,200, respectively. These favors included awarding contracts for parking lot renovations, classroom remodeling, and flooring at various CEOGC locations.
United States Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach emphasized the betrayal of trust: “Middleton violated the trust of taxpayers and the people she had pledged to serve.” Anthony echoed this sentiment, stating that law enforcement will continue to root out individuals who exploit their positions for personal gain.
Middleton is scheduled for sentencing on December 3rd. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. Collyer.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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