Defense grills Kelley on mental health, spending habits at Dimora's corruption trial

AKRON, Ohio - Jimmy Dimora's defense team cross examined one of the government's star witnesses against him.

"It’s fair to say you’ve had a lot more than a few issues, isn’t it?" defense attorney Andrea Whitaker asked J. Kevin Kelley late Thursday afternoon. Kelley answered, "yes."

Kelley takes at least 21 pills a day for physical ailments and variety of mental health issues named in court, including bipolar disorder, paranoia, depression, anxiety and alcoholism. Kelley admitted he drank at least a fifth of rum a day towards the end of his time working at the auditor's office, and during the time he worked at the county engineer's office. He admitted he suffered from hallucinations, and heard voices telling him what to do.

Today Kelley is on disability.

Whitaker also questioned his spending habits, implying that he was drowning in debt.

In 2008, Kelley owned three homes, one in Ottawa County with five mortgages, a boat, and went on several trips outside of the Cleveland area. He went to California twice, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Boston. He also testified he lost several thousand dollars in gambling.

The defense also questioned Kelley on his plea deal. Kelley was the first in Dimora's circle to agree to testify against his former friend. Whitaker pointed out that for his cooperation, he faces a minimum of just under six years in prison.

"Five years, ten months on the low end," Kelley said.

"And you certainly are hoping for the low end, aren't you?" Whitaker asked.

"I am, yes," Kelley replied.

Kelley coordinated bribes, arranged casino gambling trips and organized sexual rendezvous for Dimora and others, according to prosecutors, while using money from private contractors. He also sought to influence official acts on county contracts and hiring, prosecutors say. On the stand, Kelley admits to accepting thousands of dollars in kickbacks.

Cross examination continued into the late afternoon in federal court Thursday, during which Kelley appeared composed and confident.

Dimora and co-defendant Michael Gabor say they are innocent of all federal charges.