East Cleveland Chief of Staff Michael Smedley facing federal bribery indictment

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CLEVELAND (WJW) -- Federal prosecutors say a top East Cleveland official was bribed with money, Cleveland Browns tickets and expensive meals while conspiring with scammers who were swindling people out of millions of dollars.

He even gave them police badges, according to an indictment.

East Cleveland Chief of Staff Michael L. Smedley, charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and extortion, was added as a co-defendant in a superseding indictment filed Thursday, Feb. 20, against local brothers Zubair Al Zubair, 42, and Muzzammil Al Zubair, 31.

The brothers were first indicted in early 2024 on counts of wire fraud, a money laundering conspiracy and thefts of government funds in alleged investment, real estate and cryptocurrency schemes, including one involving the city's Nela Park.

Zubair Al Zubair claimed to be a prince -- and even referred to himself as "His Excellency" -- while Muzzammil Al Zubair claimed to be a hedge fund manager. They claimed to operate Dubai Bridge Investments and presented themselves as economic advisers to city officials and Mayor Brandon King.

Smedley at the time was the city's chief of staff and executive assistant to the mayor and in 2021 helped the alleged scammers with transactions involving the city, prosecutors allege. He even issued them East Cleveland business cards and police badges and tipped them off on police investigations, reads the indictment.

In return, the brothers wrote Smedley checks for thousands of dollars, offered him expensive Cleveland Browns tickets, dinner at Cleveland's pricey Marble Room and cigars, and promised him employment at their "firm." They even wrote phony letters of intent to make their dealing appear legitimate and stave off ethics investigations, prosecutors allege.

Smedley is charged with five counts including:

• Conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds
• Conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud
• Conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right

City Law Director Willa Hemmons in a Friday statement said Smedley has been placed on paid administrative leave while his case is pending. He was also serving as the city's community development director and held "additional roles" in human resources and building and housing, Hemmons said.

"We are presently unaware of the facts and circumstances surrounding the indictment," reads Hemmons' statement. "However, it is curious that Mr. Smedley's indictment comes at a time during the city's mayoral election year when the mayor is likewise temporarily away from office."

A special commission of judges last month voted to suspend East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King from office following his indictment on theft in office and related corruption charges.