A shocking case of corruption has come to light in Warren, Ohio, where a former municipal prosecutor is accused of trading favors for auto repairs.
Nicholas Graham, 52, of Warren, was a prosecutor who represented the City of Warren in Warren Municipal Court, according to an indictment unsealed today.
Graham allegedly agreed to help Brian Votino, 52, of Niles, with his pending cases in exchange for auto repair work on his truck.
According to the indictment, Graham instructed Votino to falsify a bill for the repair services and not to inform Votino’s criminal defense lawyer, in a clear attempt to cover up the bribery arrangement.
The indictment alleges that Graham and Votino carried out their agreement, with Graham taking official action to reduce the charges against Votino and advocating for a lenient sentence.
Graham and Votino are charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of honest services wire fraud, and one count of Hobbs Act extortion.
If convicted of all counts, they each face a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Cleveland Field Office, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri announced the charges along with U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Gregory D. Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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