Cuyahoga County corruption probe: Michael Gabor

CLEVELAND - Former Cuyahoga County Auditor’s Office employee Michael Gabor stands trial along with Jimmy Dimora.

Gabor worked in the auditor’s office, under former auditor Frank Russo, from 2005 to 2010. According to a federal indictment, Gabor and Dimora pressured Russo to hire him with an annual salary of more than $39,990.

“On or about September 12, 2005, Gabor gave Russo approximately $5,000 in cash, in return and in exchange for Russo helping Gabor secure employment in the auditor’s office,” the indictment said. During his time in the auditor’s office, Gabor, along with a long list of others, gave things to Dimora, Russo and other county officials in exchange for favors, the indictment said.

“Defendant Michael D. Gabor sought to corrupt Frank P. Russo, a public official, and improperly influence Russo with respect to the discharges of Russo’s official duties, by promising, offering and giving him cash and other things of value.”

The indictment also claims that Gabor passed along more to a judge during his 2005 divorce case.

Following his arrest with Dimora on Sept. 15, 2010, Gabor pleaded not guilty in federal court to four counts of bribery and witness tampering. If convicted, he faces 40 years in prison.

Gabor’s attorney made several attempts to delay the trial with Dimora because they wanted more time to review 1,600 hours of wiretaps and prepare for charges that were added later in the superseding indictment.