Federal prosecutors say former Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones used his sway to fleece nonprofits during his time in office.
Basheer Jones is accused of using his sway as a Cleveland City Councilman to swindle nonprofits out of some $135,000.CLEVELAND, Ohio - Basheer Jones championed progressive ideals, fighting as an activist to get high schoolers registered to vote and urging people to become more involved in their communities.
McCoy, a state-licensed real estate agent, was in a romantic relationship with Jones between 2018 through at least 2021, according to prosecutors. Jones separately told McCoy to apply for the position and request $5,000 per month, court records say. She put together a proposal, highlighting that she could work directly with Jones to get development and planning projects approved, according to the charges. Neither Jones nor McCoy told Famicos about their relationship, prosecutors said.
Nearly a year later, on June 1, 2021, Jones approached Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, a nonprofit that works as an intermediary between community development corporations and civic and business leaders. Jones took $15,000, while McCoy put $15,000 in her personal bank account. She kept the remaining $9,600 and distributed small amounts at Jones’ behest, according to the charges.Prosecutors also said Jones concocted another scheme in 2019 in which he would help someone buy a dilapidated liquor store, get city funds allocated to help a nonprofit buy the building and split the profits.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Feds charge former Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones on corruption offensesFederal prosecutors have charged former Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones with corruption-related offenses.
Read more »
Feds charge former Cleveland Councilperson Basheer Jones with bribery, fraudThe Department of Justice has federally charged former Cleveland City Councilperson Basheer Jones with bribery and fraud.
Read more »
Former Cleveland City Councilman facing federal fraud chargesDigital content producer at News 5
Read more »
East Cleveland mayor and former councilman blame politics for indictmentsAn award-winning investigative reporter, Scott has worked in newsrooms across the country, uncovering corruption, holding the powerful accountable, and standing up for the little guy.
Read more »
Councilman wants answers after problems exposed at Cleveland group homeAn award-winning investigative reporter, Scott has worked in newsrooms across the country, uncovering corruption, holding the powerful accountable, and standing up for the little guy.
Read more »
Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood celebrates new Impett Park PlaygroundThe grand opening was held Saturday afternoon where Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Ward 17 councilman Charlie Slife, Cleveland police officers, Cleveland firefights, community organizers and neighborhood families were all in attendance.
Read more »