Jimmy Dimora denied release for medical issues, judge dismisses charges for second trial

AKRON, Ohio - Jimmy Dimora’s motion to be released from prison prior to his sentencing for medical reasons was denied by a federal judge on Friday.

Earlier this month, the former Cuyahoga County Commissioner fell while at the Northeast Ohio Correction Center in Youngstown, court documents reported. Tests following the spill found not only a concussion, but a mass behind his pharynx.

Judge Sara Lioi denied Dimora’s newest attempt to avoid prison, stating the court lacks jurisdiction over the issue. Dimora’s fate now remains with the Court of Appeals.

After a 37-day trial in March, a federal jury found the ex-commissioner guilty on 33 of 34 counts. Over the course of the lengthy Cuyahoga County corruption investigation, judges, county officials and businessmen were convicted.

An affidavit filed by Dimora’s defense team said he should have the mass tested to see if it’s cancerous. The affidavit also described a number of Dimora’s existing conditions and the fact that he was using a wheelchair.

“Motion Dimora has presented in support of his recently identified medical condition suggests to the Court that he is not healthy enough to leave the jurisdiction, and seek medical treatment in another locale,” Lioi said in her ruling.

In a separate ruling on Friday, Lioi also granted the prosecution’s motion to dismiss the charges against Dimora related to his second trial, which was slated for October. Lioi said the case will proceed against Dimora’s codefendant Michael Forlani.