Prosecutors use construction workers to build case, nail Dimora; Dimora got $33K home work for free

AKRON, Ohio - Federal prosecutors on Friday morning continued to hammer away at former county commissioner Jimmy Dimora’s use of private contractors for free construction work on his home, patio and pool in exchange for what they say were official acts by Dimora.

Nicholas Zavarella, an executive of Zavarella Brothers Construction, told jurors his company built a retaining wall around Dimora’s pool and installed masonry columns in his yard without charging Dimora. Zavarella estimated for federal officials a cost of more than $33,000 worth of work.

Federal prosecutors said in exchange for the free home improvements, Dimora helped Zavarella get teaching jobs for Zavarella’s daughter and county jobs for Zavarella’s friends.

“He was a friend and a political official and I figured if I could help him he could sure help me,” Zavarella told jurors in describing his relationship with Dimora.

Zavarella testified that Dimora first helped his daughter get a position with the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services.

“I asked Jim to put in a good word for her,” Zavarella said.

His daughter, Lauren Zavarella, later was hired for a substitute teaching job in the Parma City School District. Her father, Nicholas, testified Dimora “offered to make a recommendation” and Zavarella gave Dimora his daughter’s resume.

“I knew he knew Mr. Kelley who was on the school board,” Zavarella told jurors.

Kelley previously testified that he used his position as a school board member to have the superintendent hire Zavarella’s daughter as a substitute teacher.

Zavarella told jurors Dimora later gave a letter of recommendation, which prosecutors presented as evidence, for Lauren Zavarella for a full-time teaching job in the Bedford City School District where she remains employed today.

Zavarella also testified that he asked Dimora to help his neighbor’s ex-daughter-in-law, Lillian Trovato, get a county job in then-auditor Frank Russo's office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Kelley asked Zavarella why he sought Dimora’s recommendation on various jobs.

“Because he was a very powerful person,” Zavarella said.

During cross-examination by Dimora defense attorney Andrea Whitaker, Zavarella testified he was a long-time friend of Dimora. He told jurors Dimora performed the marriage ceremony for his brother, served as master of ceremonies for bachelor parties, appeared as a celebrity for a diabetes foundation charity with which Zavarella was involved, and attended children’s weddings.

Whitaker also elicited testimony from Zavarella that he and Dimora never talked about Dimora providing letters of recommendation for jobs in relation to work done on Dimora’s house.

Zavarella pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge, is cooperating with the government and expects to serve eight to 14 months as a part of a reduced prison sentence. He also will have to pay restitution.

“It’s hindered my family name,” Zavarella testified, along with causing him “mental stress.”

Prosecutors also called additional contractors to the witness stand after the morning break including a contractor who installed Dimora's pool. A contract was produced showing Dimora was charged and prosecutors have acknowledged Dimora did pay for some home improvements over the years raised in the trial.

Prior to lunch, FBI Special Agent Christine Oliver took the stand where she testified that Executive Caterers at Landerhaven provided free food for guests at Dimora's home after the January 2008 death of Dimora's father.

In a wiretap conversation prosecutors played for jurors, J. Kevin Kelley was heard talking on his cell phone to Michael Gabor, who was on the phone at Dimora's house. Kelley asked Gabor what he could bring to the house and Gabor told him nothing, describing all of the food already delivered to the house.

“Jim said bring an envelope," Gabor told Kelley.

“What’s new?,” Kelley replied.

Federal prosecutors also played a 2007 wiretap conversation in which Dimora asked contractor Steven Pumper for tickets to a Cavalier's basketball game. Testimony earlier in the week revealed Pumper's company held seats behind the hoop valued at $300 per seat.

“See if you have four tickets in your box for Thursday’s Cavs game,” Dimora said in a message left on Pumper's voicemail. Dimora indicated he wanted to take his wife, Lori, and family members to the game.

Agent Olver tesitifed Dimora was given the tickets.

Dimora and co-defendant Michael Gabor have maintained their innocence of all federal charges.

Continue to follow newsnet5.com and NewsChannel5 for ongoing trial developments.