Auditor Frank Russo Sells Mansion

One of the elected leaders caught up in the Cuyahoga County corruption probe is now without his mansion.
NewsChannel5 Chief Investigator Duane Pohlman said the new owners who purchased Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo's former mansion weren't happy when Pohlman arrived showed up Monday, and they called the police.
Last August, Russo stood outside the mansion as he defended himself. After months on the market, Russo sold his mansion for $626,000 -- more than the $275,000 he bought it for but much less than the original asking price of nearly $900,000.
The buyer is not listed, only a trustee by the name of Carl Einstein.
On Monday at the home, behind a chain with a warning sign, a man who wouldn't identify himself told Pohlman to leave.
"There's no comment to be made and you guys need to leave because this is a private drive. OK," the man said.
The point was hammered home by police officers who arrived a short time later.
Russo, who makes $91,000 a year as auditor, took out more than $500,000 in loans -- money which was put into the home.
A manger at the auditor's office told NewsChannel4 that Russo took a bath on the property.
Meanwhile, neighbor Tom Slike, who liked Russo, said the auditor's move happened very quickly.
"It came as a shock because not so much as a goodbye and they have been here for over two years," Slike said.
The auditor's office also said Russo is not commenting on whether he will make another run for auditor.
The Plain Dealer reported that Russo is not ruling out a re-election bid. A representative said the auditor is too busy doing his job and dealing with the corruption investigation to even consider that right now.