Cleveland, OH

Akram Boutros Sues MetroHealth Alleging Violations of Ohio Open Meetings Act

Published

2 years ago

November 28, 2022

Akram Boutros Sues MetroHealth Alleging Violations of Ohio Open Meetings Act

Ousted MetroHealth CEO Akram Boutros has filed go well with in opposition to MetroHealth alleging that the board of trustees violated Ohio’s Open Conferences Act and MetroHealth bylaws within the hiring of incoming CEO Dr. Airica Steed and its termination of Boutros this month. (A replica of the grievance could be considered in full under.)

It solely briefly addresses the explanations Metro cited for firing him — allegedly awarding himself bonuses totaling $1.9 million over a four-year interval that weren’t permitted by or disclosed to the board — in addition to saying they had been licensed and as an alternative largely contends the strategies by which Metro’s board carried out the CEO search and launched the Boutros investigation throughout government classes violated state legislation.

That investigation was carried out by outdoors counsel at Tucker Ellis and alleged Boutros hid the bonuses and issued them to himself in violation of his contract with the publicly funded hospital system.

The report additionally says Boutros might have publicity to a felony theft in workplace cost. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Workplace informed Scene final week it’s contact with the Ohio Ethics Fee to find out if a felony investigation is important. Boutros self-reported to the OEC on Nov. 1, the day after repaying Metro the $1.9 million plus curiosity.

Boutros, for his half, has maintained that he did nothing incorrect in gathering the bonuses and that the board’s investigation of the bonuses and subsequent firing had been in retaliation for Boutros allegedly discovering that the board had engaged in improper habits with regard to the hiring of the brand new CEO.

“The cause-and-effect connection between the 2 incidents is inescapable: [Metro Board of Trustees Chair Vanessa] Whiting tried to whip up an argument from contemporaneously created MetroHealth enterprise data which always had been obtainable to the Board of Trustees regarding bonus funds which the Board had, in actual fact, permitted by decision,” the grievance reads.

The go well with seeks to “nullify the illegal investigation of Dr. Boutros and to nullify Dr. Boutros’ termination for trigger as The MetroHealth System’s President and Chief Government Officer.”

Whiting, in an announcement issued by MetroHealth Monday night, stated: “We’re upset, although not stunned, that Dr. Boutros has filed a lawsuit. His allegations are little greater than a distraction from these basic info: That he awarded himself almost $2 million in bonuses with out correct evaluate or authorization and that he hid these funds from MetroHealth’s trustees and the general public. We’re assured the board acted in accord with Ohio legislation, however nobody ought to lose sight of the irony that somebody who for 5 years actively cloaked his actions is making an attempt now to recast himself as a champion of sunshine.”

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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland, Ohio: Thanksgiving Rain Tonight, Snow Expected This Weekend Along Lake Erie

Published

5 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Press Room

Cleveland, Ohio: Thanksgiving Rain Tonight, Snow Expected This Weekend Along Lake Erie

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Cleveland, OH – A Winter Storm Watch is set to take effect Friday, bringing heavy lake-effect snow to Northeast Ohio and areas near I-90. Residents should prepare for travel disruptions starting late Thursday night as snow bands develop.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm will persist through Monday, with snowfall exceeding eight inches in some locations. Areas along Lake Erie could see totals above a foot where lake-effect snow bands remain stationary. The heaviest snowfall is expected Friday night into Saturday morning, with visibility dropping below a quarter mile in some areas. Hazardous conditions may delay or halt holiday travel plans.

The extended forecast predicts a rainy Thanksgiving Day in Cleveland, with highs reaching 45°F before temperatures drop sharply overnight. Rain will transition into snow late Thursday, with a chance of snow showers throughout Friday. Breezy winds are expected, adding to the potential for drifting snow and icy roads.

Saturday and Sunday will bring scattered snow showers, with highs in the low 30s and nighttime lows dipping into the low 20s. These colder temperatures will likely worsen road conditions and create slick surfaces for drivers.

Drivers planning to use I-90 or Route 2 this weekend are urged to monitor conditions closely and consider alternative travel plans. Be prepared with an emergency kit and allow extra travel time. Stay updated through local alerts to avoid sudden hazardous conditions.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to finalize preparations today, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready and outdoor plans are flexible.

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Cleveland, OH

Male shot and killed in Brook Park

Published

13 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Press Room

BROOK PARK, Ohio (WOIO) – A male was shot and killed near the area of West 130th and Holland Road Tuesday.

Police said they got called around 315 p.m. for the shooting.

The shooting is under investigation with no other information available at this time.

Brook Park Police Department will not be releasing any information until on or after Dec. 3, according to Southwest dispatch.

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Cleveland, OH

9 people indicted for illegal bar scheme throughout Cuyahoga County

Published

21 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

9 people indicted for illegal bar scheme throughout Cuyahoga County

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Ohio Investigative Unit and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office announced a 45-count Criminal Enterprise indictment in connection with a network of illegally operated bars across Cuyahoga County Tuesday.

The investigation uncovered a scheme in which “straw” owners purchased bars illegally as early as 2019, using illegal proceeds to continue to purchase more bars over a period of several years.

According to a press release from OIU, between 2019 and 2024, illegal were established at the following locations: Boozerz and The Bench Lounge in Euclid; Aura-Iconic and Aries Restaurant & Lounge in Garfield Heights; Night Capz and The Score in Cleveland Heights; and Bar Mayfield in South Euclid.

Investigators said that ownership of several of these businesses were later transferred to individuals with significant criminal histories, who would have been prohibited from being documented owners.

The enterprise generated nearly $4 million in illegal profits.

Investigators said that these proceeds were distributed to members of the enterprise and were used to purchase property and fund considerable personal expenses, entertainment, and leisure activities.

While being operated, these premises became significant public nuisances with frequent shootings, gun crimes, assaults, and disturbances, according to the press release. This placed a strain on local law enforcement resources and prompted numerous complaints from residents near these establishments. During the execution of search warrants in October, OIU agents seized cash, business records, and multiple firearms.

Nine people from northeast Ohio were indicted in the enterprise, including:

Randy Pittman (Age 53, of Macedonia)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (6 counts)

– Grand Theft (4 counts)

– Money Laundering (5 counts)

Sharita Roberts (Age 42, of Newburgh Heights)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (12 counts)

– Grand Theft (4 counts)

– Money Laundering (5 counts)

Rayshawn Duncan (Age 35, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (5 counts)

– Grand Theft (3 counts)

– Money Laundering (2 counts)

Donald King Jr. (Age 43, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (2 counts)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

– Having Weapons Under Disability

Daryel Jones (Age 43, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (2 counts)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

Dewayne Stewart (Age 37, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

Daisha’vu O’Neal (Age 38, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

Tremaine Golston (Age 35, of Cleveland)

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

Jazmyn Barrow-Stover (Age 40, of Solon)

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

In addition to the criminal indictment, 76 Administrative Violations were issued against the liquor permits in use at the involved premises. Those citations will ultimately be heard by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission, with possible sanctions including revocation of the liquor permits.

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