Jimmy Dimora arrives for county corruption sentencing in wheelchair, will speak in court

AKRON, Ohio - Jimmy Dimora arrived at federal court through a basement entrance in a wheelchair Monday morning, and he appeared to have lost weight since his guilty convictions in March.

The former county commissioner entered the courtroom using a walker in an orange prison uniform.

( Watch live video from outside Akron Federal Court )

His attorneys had filed pre-sentencing documents that stated Dimora had “serious and life threatening” health issues, that forced him to rely on a walker and use a wheelchair.

Meanwhile, a source close to the case said Dimora may request to speak before the court ahead of his sentencing. The source also said his three children, a neighbor and a friend will speak.

As Dimora gets ready to hear his fate, the media room already was filling up by 8:15 a.m. Monday.

During the trial, the video feed into the media room showed the faces of U.S. District Court Judge Sara Lioi and testifying witnesses.

For Monday’s sentencing, the video feed into the media room is facing table where Dimora and his attorneys will sit, as well as where federal prosecutors will be seated.

The video feed also shows the podium, where it is possible Dimora’s family may request to speak on the former commissioner’s behalf for a more lenient sentence.

The once powerful Democratic Party chairman faces 22 years in prison when the sentencing hearing begins at 9:30 a.m.

A federal jury convicted Dimora on 33 of 34 counts, including fraud, bribery, racketeering and obstruction of justice in the largest corruption trial in Cuyahoga County history. Jurors spent 37 days hearing evidence and nearly 40 hours deliberating.

NewsChannel 5 crews parked in front of the court house included Chief Investigator Ron Regan, Investigator Sarah Buduson, several photographers, producers and reporters.

Coverage of this sentencing will be ongoing on air, online, and on mobile devices.