Overview

• Judge Hollie Gallagher sentenced King to three years of probation, ordered him to pay fees and imposed a lifetime ban from public office.
• Councilman Ernest Smith received three years of probation on July 8 after convictions for theft in office and improper compensation totaling over $13,500.
• Prosecutors had urged a prison term for King, citing his abuse of mayoral power to steer more than $75,000 in city contracts to his own businesses.
• King has filed an appeal and the East Cleveland City Council remains split over who should serve as interim mayor.
• City officials warn that the diverted funds worsened long-standing budget challenges and forced cuts to services including domestic violence support programs.