In a shocking turn of events, former Cincinnati city councilman Jeffrey Pastor has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in federal court. The 39-year-old has admitted to depriving the citizens of Cincinnati of their right to honest services by accepting bribes in exchange for official action. Between June 2018 and January 2019, Pastor accepted and agreed to accept things of value in connection to two development projects in the city. This guilty plea brings to light the extent of corruption within the Cincinnati city council and raises questions about the integrity of public officials.
Former Cincinnati City Councilman Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes
In a shocking turn of events, former Cincinnati City Councilman Jeffrey Pastor has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes. Pastor, 39, admitted to honest services wire fraud, stating that he deprived the citizens of Cincinnati of their right to honest services by accepting bribes in exchange for official action.
Overview of the Case
Pastor’s plea agreement revealed that the bribery scheme took place between June 2018 and January 2019. During this period, Pastor accepted and agreed to accept things of value in exchange for favorable official action relating to two development projects in the city.
One notable incident occurred in September 2018, when Pastor and his associate flew to Miami, Florida, on a private plane to meet with investors regarding a real estate development project. However, Pastor failed to disclose or pay for the trip. During the trip, Pastor discussed receiving compensation and agreed to accept $15,000 for his involvement in the project, with the money being funneled through his associate’s non-profit entity.
Upon returning to Cincinnati, Pastor contacted the investor to negotiate a monthly retainer and confirmed that the $15,000 would serve as the retainer fee for providing official action. On October 4, 2018, Pastor accepted $15,000 in cash from the investor. He then continued to solicit additional payment from the investor and others involved in the scheme.
Background Information
Jeffrey Pastor served as a City Councilman in Cincinnati but now stands accused of abusing his position for personal gain. This case has brought to light the potential for corruption within the city’s government.
Bribery Scheme Timeline
June 2018
The bribery scheme involving Pastor began in June 2018. This is when he started accepting things of value in exchange for favorable official action in relation to the development projects.
September 2018
In September 2018, Pastor and his associate traveled to Miami, Florida, to meet with investors regarding a real estate development project. During this trip, discussions about compensation and accepting bribes took place.
October 2018
On October 4, 2018, Pastor accepted $15,000 in cash from an investor as payment for his official action. This marked a significant development in the bribery scheme.
November 2020
In November 2020, Jeffrey Pastor and Tyran Marshall were indicted by a federal grand jury. Charges against Marshall include conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, bribery, attempted extortion, and money laundering.
Involvement of Other Individuals
Tyran Marshall’s Indictment
Tyran Marshall, along with Jeffrey Pastor, was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2020. Marshall faces charges of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, bribery, attempted extortion, and money laundering.
Pending Charges Against Marshall
The charges against Tyran Marshall remain pending, as his involvement in the bribery scheme is further investigated. It is crucial to hold all involved parties accountable for their actions.
Potential Sentence
If the plea agreement is accepted, Jeffrey Pastor could face a prison sentence of up to 24 months. This demonstrates the serious nature of the crimes committed and the significance of ensuring justice is served.
Factors Affecting the Sentencing
Various factors can influence the ultimate sentence Pastor may receive. The court will likely consider the extent of the bribery scheme, the harm caused to the citizens of Cincinnati, and any remorse or cooperation demonstrated by Pastor during the investigation.
Announcement of Guilty Plea
The guilty plea entered by Jeffrey Pastor was announced by Kenneth L. Parker, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and J. William Rivers, the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cincinnati Division.
U.S. Attorney and FBI Special Agent Announcement
Kenneth L. Parker and J. William Rivers announced the guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. This announcement marks a significant step in the progression of the case and underscores the commitment of law enforcement to combat corruption.
Court Proceedings and Plea Entry
The guilty plea was entered during a federal court proceeding, ensuring that the charges against Jeffrey Pastor were formally acknowledged. This plea entry sets the stage for the sentencing and further developments in the case.
Prosecution Representation
The United States will be represented in this case by Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Singer. Their expertise in prosecuting cases of this nature will be crucial in ensuring a fair and just outcome.
Related Content
The case against Jeffrey Pastor is not isolated, as corruption can extend beyond individual actors. Here are some related cases that have rocked Ohio in recent years:
Sentencing of Former Ohio Republican Party Chair
Mathew Borges, the former Ohio Republican Party chair, was sentenced to five years in prison for his participation in a racketeering conspiracy. This case highlights the importance of uncovering and prosecuting corruption regardless of political affiliations.
Sentencing of Former Ohio House Speaker
Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder was sentenced to 20 years in prison for leading a racketeering conspiracy involving $60 million in bribes. This high-profile case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences awaiting those who engage in corrupt practices.
Conviction of Former Ohio House Speaker and Former Ohio Republican Party Chair
Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and former Ohio Republican Party chair Mathew Borges were convicted of participating in a racketeering conspiracy. This conviction sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated at any level of government.
Contact Information
For more information or assistance, individuals can reach out to the Southern District of Ohio Main Office. Phone numbers and other contact details can be found on their official website. It is essential to stay connected and informed throughout the legal proceedings.
With Jeffrey Pastor’s guilty plea, the wheels of justice have been set in motion. This case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and those who betray the public’s trust will face consequences. The outcome of the sentencing will be closely monitored, as it will determine the severity of the punishment for accepting bribes and the message it sends to others who may consider engaging in similar misconduct. The commitment of law enforcement and the judicial system to combat corruption is critical in maintaining the integrity of our government and upholding the principles of justice.