BuckeyeBlog

The news that the FBI probe into the actions of Cuyahoga County officials Jimmy Dimora and Frank Russo is now expanding with a search of two judges’ chambers is pretty significant and doesn’t really need much commentary. I’d only note that unless you were a faithful reader of the Cleveland Plain Dealer you’d have little idea this probe was even taking place. C’mon, Dispatch, don’t you think that this type of federal investigation is worth covering?

Here is the latest development:

Agents appeared at the courtrooms of Common Pleas judges Bridget McCafferty and Steven Terry between 7 and 8 p.m.

FBI Special Agent Scott Wilson confirmed the searches were linked to the county corruption probe made public in July after FBI and IRS agents raided the homes and offices of county officials Jimmy Dimora, Frank Russo and Kevin Kelley, but he would not say what agents were searching for.

Terry is a political ally of Russo’s. Terry’s former bailiff, Michael Calabrese, 43, is a house mate of Russo’s. The two bought a house together in Mayfield.

A federal grand jury has begun hearing testimony and serving subpoenas to contractors and county officials. Dimora, Russo and Kelley are suspected of trading county contracts for work on their homes.

The investigators are also looking into hiring practices at the county, and whether county employees engaged in political work on public time, according to search warrants and other court documents.