Four city council members in Toledo, Ohio, all Democrats, (surprise, surprise) have been arrested on federal bribery and extortion racket charges. The members would extort payments from businesses looking for council approval for various reasons. They had enough votes to swing anything brought up to the council.
The investigation was started back in early 2018. All four face ten years for bribery charges and twenty years for extortion. (That’s a total of thirty years for you Democrats) It was strictly a pay for play scheme in which the council members would vote according to whoever forked over money to them.
Council members Tyrone Riley, Yvonne Harper, Larry Sykes, and Garrick Johnson, were involved were all charged for their actions. A lawyer who helped set up the scheme has also been arrested. Republicans in Toledo have argued for a while that having all Democrats on the council would lead to corruption. (No s*^t, Sherlock)
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz issued a statement:
“I am shocked and heartbroken by today’s arrests. This is a terrible day for Toledo — and for everyone who believes in the good that can be accomplished through public service.”
“I have no tolerance for public officials who abuse the trust of the citizens,” he added. “I encourage all Toledoans to say a prayer for our city and for the hope that justice will be done in this case.”
Kapszukiewicz went on to remind Toledo citizens that the accused are innocent until proven guilty.
Mark Wagoner, the chair of the Lucas County Republican Party, called for the resignation of all four Democrats.
“Democrat domination of Toledo city politics has consequences, and today we see them. Lucas County Republicans have long pointed to the culture of corruption within the City of Toledo and have put forward quality candidates to end Democrat domination,” he said.
Councilwoman Harper is reportedly the executive director of the Lucas County Democratic Party.
