Cleveland-area businessman Michael Forlani was today sentenced to 97 months in federal prison following his guilty plea to RICO conspiracy and related charges. The 55-year-old Gates Mills resident faced a sentence of more than eight years for bribing public officials in exchange for contracts.
U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi ordered Forlani to forfeit $900,000 and pay $136,251 in restitution to Cuyahoga County, the Maple Heights City School District, and Metro Health Systems.
Forlani, who owned or controlled several companies, was accused of conspiring with public officials like Jimmy Dimora between 2002 and 2009. He used his influence to secure contracts for his businesses, including a $941,000 deal at the Justice Center and a no-bid contract at Maple Heights City Schools.
In return for these favors, Forlani provided discounted home improvements, concert tickets, and other valuable gifts to officials. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, IRS-CI, and the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antoinette T. Bacon, Henry DeBaggis, and Nancy L. Kelley prosecuted the case. Forlani pleaded guilty last year to RICO conspiracy, Hobbs Act violations, wire fraud, and other charges associated with his business empire.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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