East Cleveland seeks interim mayor after Brandon King’s removal
A special commission of judges on Tuesday voted to immediately suspend East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King from office following his indictment on theft in office and related corruption charges.
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EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) – The City of East Cleveland is looking for applicants to be interim mayor after the former mayor’s conviction on corruption-related charges.
A special commission of judges on Tuesday voted to immediately suspend East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King from office following his indictment on theft in office and related corruption charges.
The FOX 8 I-Team was first to report that King and East Cleveland councilman Ernest Smith were indicted in early October. King faces charges including:
- Two counts of theft in office
- Four counts of having unlawful interest in a public contract
- Four counts of representation by public official or employee
- One count of filing a false disclosure statement
- One count of soliciting improper compensation
The Cuyahoga County Probate Court is accepting applications for an interim mayor of East Cleveland, with a deadline of Feb. 14, 2025, for submissions by mail or email.
Presiding and Administrative Judge Anthony J. Russo will oversee the appointment process under Ohio Revised Code Section 3.16(E)(4). Applicants must submit a statement of interest outlining their reasons for seeking the position, their goals if appointed, and their qualifications. A resume and three references are also required.
Applications should be sent to Judge Russo at the Cuyahoga County Probate Court, Room 221, 1 Lakeside Avenue West, Cleveland, OH 44113, or via email to Sue Schwarten, his administrative assistant, at sschwarten@cuyahogacounty.gov.
Questions about the process can be directed to Magistrate and Court Administrator Jennifer A. Alexander at jalexander@cuyahogacounty.gov or (216) 443-8979.
