East Cleveland mayor Brandon King sentenced
CLEVELAND (WJW) — East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King was sentenced to three years of probation on Wednesday and ordered to pay more than $27,000 in restitution after he was found guilty on public corruption charges in May.
In addition, the former mayor was ordered to receive random drug testing, find full-time employment, and complete 100 hours of community service. He is also disqualified from holding a position of public office.
King, who had been mayor since 2016, is accused of pushing more than $75,000 in city money to businesses owned by himself or his family.
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He had previously been found guilty on charges including theft in office, having unlawful interest in a public contract and soliciting improper compensation.
Prior to sentencing, King joined others in the courtroom and held hands in prayer.
Prosecutors requested a prison sentence due to the 'seriousness' of the crimes and said King used his position of power to facilitate some of the offenses.
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'He did hold a position of public trust in East Cleveland, not just any position, the highest position, and he betrayed that trust,' said prosecutors in court on Wednesday.
King's defense attorney said King planned to file an appeal, therefore he would not be commenting.
'The purpose of sentencing is to protect the public, it's our belief that a prison sentence is not necessary to protect the public. It's our belief that Mr. King not being able to run for office is a punishment,' said King's attorney.
Tuesday, East Cleveland councilman Ernest Smith was also sentenced in the corruption case, receiving three years probation.
Smith had previously been found guilty on charges including theft in office, theft, soliciting improper compensation and misuse of credit cards. The theft reportedly amounted to more than $13,500.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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