<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1HTHAj_0vjqivtk00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1HTHAj_0vjqivtk00" width="780" height="470" ></figure><p>Cleveland, Ohio – An indictment has been unsealed, charging two Ohio men, Nicholas Graham and Brian Votino, with participating in a bribery scheme involving a municipal prosecutor. The scheme, which unfolded in 2019, saw the prosecutor agreeing to reduce charges in exchange for auto repair services.</p><h2>The Bribery Scheme</h2><p>Nicholas Graham, 52, of Warren, served as a municipal prosecutor representing the City of Warren in Warren Municipal Court. Meanwhile, Brian Votino, 52, of Niles, was facing two criminal cases in the same court. According to the indictment, in October 2019, Graham and Votino struck a deal: Graham would help Votino with his pending criminal cases in return for repair work on Graham’s truck.</p><p>In an attempt to conceal the bribery arrangement, Graham allegedly instructed Votino, through an intermediary, to falsify a bill for the auto repair services and not to inform Votino’s defense attorney. The indictment states that the two men followed through on their agreement, with Graham taking official actions to reduce Votino’s charges and advocating for a lenient sentence in exchange for the repair work.</p><h2>Legal Consequences</h2><p>Both Graham and Votino are now facing multiple charges, including one count of conspiracy, one count of honest services wire fraud, and one count of Hobbs Act extortion. If convicted, they could each face a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.</p><h2>Ongoing Investigation</h2><p>The announcement of the indictment was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Gregory D. Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Division. The FBI is currently investigating the case, and the prosecution is being handled by Trial Attorney Blake J. Ellison of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio.</p><p>This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address corruption and maintain integrity within public service roles.</p></div></body>

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Two Ohio men, including municipal prosecutor, face bribery charges for alleged deal on reduced charges and auto work

Cleveland, Ohio – An indictment has been unsealed, charging two Ohio men, Nicholas Graham and Brian Votino, with participating in a bribery scheme involving a municipal prosecutor. The scheme, which unfolded in 2019, saw the prosecutor agreeing to reduce charges in exchange for auto repair services. The Bribery Scheme.