(Akron) - On Wednesday, testimony began in the trial in U.S. District Court for Ward 4 Cleveland Councilman Kenneth Johnson, who is charged with conspiracy to commit theft from a federal organization, witness tampering, falsifying records, and preparing false tax returns.
In Wednesday's testimony, longtime city employee Robert Fitzgerald told the jury that he was told to fill out expense reports for work he didn't do, and for money he never received. Fitzgerald testified that even though he never received the money or did the work, he still paid taxes on the money.
Johnson, who has been a city councilman since 1980, is still receiving his city salary, but has been forced by the Ohio Supreme Court to step down from his seat until the outcome of his case is determined.
Photo: Photo Courtesy Cleveland City Council
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