CLEVELAND -- Federal officials have filed a 16-count indictment charging Kevin Kelly, Kevin F. Payne, Daniel P. Gallagher and Brian Schuman in connection with the Cuyahoga County public corruption investigation.

Kelley, 39, of Parma, is an employee in the Cuyahoga County Engineer's Office.

Kelley e-mailed his resignation effective Friday morning.

Payne, 54, of Brecksville, and Gallagher, 58, of Strongsville, are both former Cuyahoga County Engineer's Office employees.

Schuman, 32, of Bedford, is the former co-executive director for Alternatives Agency.

Kelley was charged and accused of participating in nine bribery schemes, one fraud scheme and filing false tax returns.

Payne faces charges in connection with seven bribery schemes and filing false tax returns.

Charges against Gallagher involve six bribery schemes, obstruction of justice and filing false tax returns.

Schuman's charges involve participating in one bribery scheme, officials said.

According to the investigation, Kelley, Payne and Gallagher participated in schemes in both Cuyahoga County and in the Parma City School District.

Allegations include steering jobs and public contracts in return for trips to Las Vegas and expensive meals.

The corruption probe started nearly a year ago when the homes of County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora and County Auditor Frank Russo were raided.

On Friday, other employees from the engineer's office said they're disappointed with the indictment.

"We are cooperating as fully as possible and the information that both the FBI and the Department of Justice had asked for, we have openly given it to them in an expeditious manner. Once again, we're trying to do the best we can to assist this and bring it to a close," said employee Michael Dever.

The suspects were charged by way of bill of information rather than indictment. Generally, that means they're cooperating with prosecutors and prosecutors anticipate filing more charges.

The indictment also implicates Parma Mayor Dean DePiero by position but not by name.

It accused DePiero by referring to his payor position of giving Russo's son a job in exchange for clearing an opponent out of the 2003 mayoral race.

DePiero reacted to the accusations Friday afternoon, saying in a statement, "I'm shocked at the allegation. What is being alleged about my actions is just not true. I have never been afraid to run against anybody, especially J. Kevin Kelley. I stand by my solid service and reputation as a public official."

DePiero is not named in the indictment and does not face any charges in connection with the corruption case.