Jimmy Dimora appears relaxed as restitution amount haggled over in court

AKRON, Ohio - The bribe values Jimmy Dimora received while in public office were debated by defense attorneys and federal prosecutors ahead of his sentencing in Akron Federal Court Monday morning.

Each side argued on the amount Dimora enriched himself with at the expense of the county, and it was not clear how long the haggling would continue.

The values are important because U.S. District Court Sara Lioi will use the information when she applies the law to Dimora’s sentence, which will include restitution.

Some of the bribes debated in court included the Beanie Wells jersey, the Las Vegas trip, donations made to Dimora’s political fundraising groups in exchange for favorable treatment from the former commissioner, in regard to county business, limousine rides, prostitute services, helping people obtain county employment or a better salary in exchange for either sexual favors (including Gina Coppers) or home improvements, and other things considered by the government as "things of value."

Prosecutors pointed out "only amounts for prostitutes to service Mr. Dimora" and limo trips were only included in the total figures if Dimora was at a party.

Nearing the lunch recess, the judge put the number at around $100,000 in bribes or things of value Dimora wrongfully acquired.

The former commissioner appeared mostly relaxed. Dimora often sat with his hand on his chin. Other times he sat back, with his arms crossed over his chest. Occasionally, he would sit back and appear to stare straight ahead.

Dimora seemed to pay close attention to defense attorney Andrea Whitaker as she argued for a lesser amount on several bribes.

He also appeared to pay close attention to federal prosecutor Antoinette Bacon as she argued for a higher value of various bribes to be considered by the judge for his sentencing. As Bacon argued for higher amounts of value to be considered, which would mean a longer sentence, Dimora sometimes hung his head.

Dimora wore an orange prison outfit and glasses. He appeared to have lost some weight since he was last seen by the media in March during his conviction and forfeiture hearing.

The former Democratic Party chairman faces 22 years in federal prison on 32 counts of bribery, racketeering, obstruction and other charges.

Judge Lioi said she will consider the law, the nature of the convictions, and the “history and characteristics of the defendant,” when she sentences Dimora.

A source close to the case told NewsChannel5 Dimora is expected to testify on his own behalf. The source also said Dimora’s three children would stand up for him, along with a neighbor and a friend.

Dimora’s wife Lori was in court, but was not expected to testify.

The first item of business Monday was to finalize Dimora’s forfeiture agreement with the government. Dimora could be heard on the speaker in the media room asking a question in court.

“I had a question with regard to the home – the 50 percent,” Dimora said. The courtroom microphones were then silenced for Dimora to discuss his question with his attorneys.

After a brief wait, the defense said Dimora fully agreed to the deal. What does it mean? Lori is allowed to stay in the Independence home where many improvements and upgrades were made. In the agreement made with the government on March 14, Dimora lost his interest in the home, but the government agreed not to go after Lori's 50 percent interest in it.

Court records show the home is valued at about $430,000.

However, if Dimora’s convictions are upheld on appeal, his wife has six months to sell the home, and leave it. She also is responsible for maintaining the property and making all payments.