CLEVELAND (WJW) — East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King is being sentenced Wednesday after he was found guilty on public corruption charges in May.
King, who had been mayor since 2016, was accused of pushing more than $75,000 in city money to businesses owned by himself or his family.
He had previously been found guilty on charges including theft in office, having unlawful interest in a public contract and soliciting improper compensation.
Prior to sentencing, King joined others in the courtroom and held hands in prayer.
Tuesday, East Cleveland councilman Ernest Smith was also sentenced in the corruption case, receiving three years probation.
Smith had previously been found guilty on charges including theft in office, theft, soliciting improper compensation and misuse of credit cards. The theft reportedly amounted to more than $13,500.
