A Special Commission of three retired judges has made the decision to suspend East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King from office on Tuesday.
Following a December meeting with the Special Commission, the retired judges found by a two-to-one vote that King's conduct had adversely affected the office and the public, according to officials.
RELATED: Decision on suspension of East Cleveland's mayor could come soon
King is facing a 12-count indictment on corruption charges and is accused of using his office to steer more than $76,000 of city money to businesses owned by King or his family.
According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, King was charged in October with the following:
- Two counts of Theft in Office (F4)
- Four counts of Having an Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract (F4 x 2, M1 x 2)
- Four counts of Representation by Public Official or Employee (M1)
- One count of Filing a False Disclosure Statement (M1)
- One count of Soliciting Improper Compensation (M1)
RELATED: East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King indicted on multiple charges
In November, attorneys for East Cleveland's mayor and a former city councilman each blamed political opponents for the criminal indictments.
King pleaded not guilty to the charges.
RELATED: East Cleveland mayor and former councilman blame politics for indictments
Under the terms of the suspension, King will retain the mayor's title and pay but cannot exercise any of the responsibilities of the office.
He can appeal the Commission's ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court. King's attorney previously said his client would appeal if suspended.
According to East Cleveland's city charter, the director of finance will serve as Acting Mayor if the mayor is "temporarily unable" to perform his or her duties. In the event of a "long-term absence of the Mayor," the charter said the President of Council takes over the mayor's duties.
