In 2009 Pierce Scott shocked other members of city council by abruptly resigning from her post. At the time she claimed she was pursuing other business interests.CLEVELAND, Ohio -—
A former Cleveland City Council representative has been charged by federal authorities for allegedly accepting a cash bribe from a developer who had business dealing with the city of Cleveland.A federal information was filed on Thursday in U.S. District Court in Cleveland charging Sabra Pierce Scott.
Pierce Scott is a former representative for the Ward 8 community, an area that includes Glenville, St. Clair-Superior and University Circle neighborhoods. Pierce Scott was also the campaign manager for Mayor Frank Jackson in 2009 during his re-election campaign.
A charge by information is typically an indication that the accused is cooperating with prosecutors on an investigation.
According to a copy of the information provided to Fox 8 News by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio, Pierce Scott is alleged to have taken $2,000 in cash in March of 2007 from a business that had dealing with the city. Prosecutors say Pierce Scott used that money to pay her daughter's tuition.
In exchange for the money prosecutors allege Pierce Scott sponsored legislation in city council for an ordinance to sell land owned by the city for use in a development project spearheaded by a business identified in the information as "Business 42".
The information states that "Business 42" was engaged in a development project in Cleveland valued at approximately $120 million in 2006.
Prosecutors say Pierce Scott co-sponsored legislation in city council that later helped "Business 42", receive a break on taxes paid to the city for the development project.
The information alleges that Pierce Scott also was able to obtain a job for her son at an electrical and technology contracting company in Bedford Heights, identified in the information as "Business 14", due to her corrupt activity.
In 2009 Pierce Scott shocked other members of city council by abruptly resigning from her post. At the time she claimed she was pursuing other business interests.
Council President Martin Sweeney didn't learn of Pierce Scott's pending departure from city council until 90 minutes before a city council meeting was called to session.
At the time of her resignation Pierce Scott served on city council's powerful Finance Committee.
A charge by information is typically an indication that the accused is cooperating with prosecutors on an investigation.
According to a copy of the information provided to Fox 8 News by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio, Pierce Scott is alleged to have taken $2,000 in cash in March of 2007 from a business that had dealing with the city. Prosecutors say Pierce Scott used that money to pay her daughter's tuition.
In exchange for the money prosecutors allege Pierce Scott sponsored legislation in city council for an ordinance to sell land owned by the city for use in a development project spearheaded by a business identified in the information as "Business 42".
The information states that "Business 42" was engaged in a development project in Cleveland valued at approximately $120 million in 2006.
Prosecutors say Pierce Scott co-sponsored legislation in city council that later helped "Business 42", receive a break on taxes paid to the city for the development project.
The information alleges that Pierce Scott also was able to obtain a job for her son at an electrical and technology contracting company in Bedford Heights, identified in the information as "Business 14", due to her corrupt activity.
In 2009 Pierce Scott shocked other members of city council by abruptly resigning from her post. At the time she claimed she was pursuing other business interests.
Council President Martin Sweeney didn't learn of Pierce Scott's pending departure from city council until 90 minutes before a city council meeting was called to session.
At the time of her resignation Pierce Scott served on city council's powerful Finance Committee.
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