Cleveland, OH
East Cleveland mayor and former councilman blame politics for indictments
CLEVELAND, OH — Attorneys for East Cleveland’s mayor and a former city councilman each blamed political opponents for the criminal indictments against the two men Friday.
“It’s disappointing to see that the prosecutor of the county is now involved with the political fight with people within East Cleveland,” said defense attorney Charles Tyler who represents East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King.
“It’s a very sad day that the criminal justice system would be used in this manner,” said East Cleveland Law Director Willa Hemmons, who appeared with former councilman Ernest Smith during Smith’s arraignment. “Nobody wants to see the criminal justice system weaponized against a political adversary.”
But the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor said the cases against the pair followed investigations by the Ohio Ethics Commission and the Ohio Auditor of State.
“These charges came about as a direct result of those investigations,” said Prosecutor Michael O’Malley in a statement. “The people who continue to suffer from these actions are the residents of East Cleveland.”
Mayor Brandon King pleaded not guilty to two counts of theft in office, four counts of having an unlawful interest in a public contract, four counts of representation by public official or employee, one count of filing a false disclosure statement and one count of soliciting improper compensation.
King is accused of authorizing and paying more than $76,000 in public contracts between the City of East Cleveland and businesses owned by the mayor and his family.
But Hemmons said Friday those contracts pre-dated King’s time in city government and said King gave up any financial stake in the companies following guidance from the state’s ethics commission.
“If we’re going to preclude every legitimate citizen, every businessman from ever entering politics, we’re going to lose a lot of good people,” Hemmons said.
The mayor is also accused of improperly providing Smith with a city vehicle and gas cards to purchase fuel.
Investigators said Smith bought $6,791 worth of gas at the expense of the city.
Smith insisted the car was only used in connection with his job but said Friday that included instances where he took his kids to school.
“My son and my daughter are residents of East Cleveland,” said Smith. “I live in East Cleveland. They went to East Cleveland schools. It’s dangerous outside. You can’t even walk to school without the prostitutes and drug dealers messing with everyone.”
Smith also pointed to a 2017 document from the then-clerk of council, which noted Smith received keys to the 2003 Ford for use “for city business” as proof that everything was above board.
“I didn’t go the mayor to get the car,” said Smith. “I don’t work for the mayor. [The] council doesn’t work for the mayor. I got the word that there was a city council car around there somewhere and my clerk found it for me.”
Smith, who was recalled by voters in 2022 and lost his seat on the council, said he’s “very confident” he will be vindicated and said he plans to run for city council again in 2025.
He told a judge Friday that he did not have money for an attorney and was appointed counsel.
Tyler said the mayor has no plans to step down even as a three-judge panel weighs whether King should be suspended until his criminal case is resolved.
Tyler said King, not the city, is paying for the mayor’s legal defense.
Cleveland, OH
Koby Altman Sounds Like Evan Mobley’s Future With Cavaliers Could Be in Question
The Cleveland Cavaliers might be at the point of doing whatever it takes to contend for a NBA championship next season, even at the expense of some of their young stars.
After their disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs need to consider anything and everything when it comes to trading away players to bring in more help for next season.
Obviously, Cleveland would love to retain as many of their stars as possible, especially the likes of Evan Mobley. New details from Koby Altman, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, gives more insight into how the Cavs view Mobley’s future as of now.
Here’s what Koby Altman shared with the media regarding Evan Mobley.
Koby Altman praises Mobley for what he’s done in Cleveland
“Evan Mobley? Yeah, I mean he’s a part of our future.”
This is what Cavs fans were hoping to hear, especially with the recent talks about potential league altering trades involving Mobley.
“We’re not going to speculate on any players outside these walls. All I can tell you is since Evan’s been here, we’ve had the third best record in the league.
There is no arguing Altman’s points on Mobley, considering Cleveland has had a winning record and made either the play-in tournament or the playoffs in each of Mobley’s first five seasons.
Their winning percentage ranks amongst the league’s best as well since the 2021-22 season, much thanks to Mobley’s dominance as their big man of the future alongside veteran Jarrett Allen.
Mobley would go on to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2024-25 season, becoming the franchise’s first player to win the award as well as the fifth youngest in league history at just 23 years old.
Altman would go on to say, “all Evan has done is impact winning. He’s been remarkable for us in terms of our ascent. He knows he needs to get better.”
What this means for Evan Mobley going forward
Mobley has most certainly helped Cleveland finish each season near the top of the Eastern Conference and has continued to get better every year. However, fans and media have criticized his aggressiveness as a big man, urging him to be more physical with his size.
Standing at 6 foot 11 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Mobley ranks amongst the league’s tallest centers while showcasing dynamic abilities as both a ball handler and a shooter. His averages this past season include 18.2 points, nine rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game were some of his best stats in his career.
Mobley sits among some of the NBA’s best centers in regard to his defense, as he is one of four players to have at least 300 blocks and 150 steals, next to Anthony Davis, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Rudy Gobert. He has continued to build on those impressive stats as he keeps working to get better.
If the Cavs want to bet on Mobley being a true franchise player for the foreseeable future, they’ll need those numbers to increase next season. They’ll also need Mobley to show that defensive presence again that earned him DPOY honors two seasons ago.
In Mobley’s case, his 5-year, $224 million extension two summers ago keeps him in Cleveland through the 2029-30 season. Unfortunately, the NBA is a business, and at the end of the day, teams will do whatever they can to build a championship contending roster.
Based on Altman’s high praise, it would seem like Mobley is safe as a Cavalier. Don’t rule out the possibility of a trade if a team comes calling with an offer Cleveland can’t refuse.
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Cleveland, OH
Ohio Supreme Court makes ruling in murder of Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Ohio Supreme Court made a ruling Friday in connection with the murder conviction of the driver that killed Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick.
According to the Ohio Supreme Court, the trial court had sufficient evidence to convict Leander Bissell of felony murder for speeding through an accident scene.
Cleveland Firefighter Tetrick, 51, was killed on Nov. 19, 2022.
Bissell struck Firefighter Tetrick on I-90 East near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and then fled the scene. Bissell was arrested later that evening.
Firefighter Tetrick was assisting with a rollover crash, when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at University Hospitals.
In July 2023, Bissell had a bench trial in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Timothy McCormick and was found guilty on all charges, including, murder.
In August 2023, Bissell was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 16 years.
In November 2024, the Eighth District Court of Appeals overturned the murder conviction, finding the State failed to prove that Bissell acted “knowingly.”
The court of appeals found Bissell guilty of involuntary manslaughter, which would impose a sentence of only up to 11 years.

The state then appealed that decision to the Ohio Supreme Court.
“This is a victory for Firefighter Tetrick’s family and Ohio’s first responders. Firefighter Tetrick died while serving the public after Leander Bissell sped through a clearly marked accident scene, traversed the berm striking Tetrick, and fled. As the Ohio Supreme Court states, ‘The Eighth District’s reasoning is wrong.’ Thankfully, their decision today corrected that wrong,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley.
Thousands of people attended Firefighter Tetrick’s funeral on Nov. 26, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
ANN S. ASHER Obituary May 28, 2026 – Ripepi Funeral Home
Ann S. Asher (nee Shaia), age 88, of Orange Village, OH, passed away peacefully in her home on May 28, 2026. Cherished wife of Tony Asher for 65 years; loving and devoted mother of Michelle Asher (Steve Timlin), Edward Asher (Rebecca), Suzanne Broadbent (Daniel), T.J. Asher (Cindy), and Jamey Asher (Wendy); dearest grandmother (Sittee) of Anthony Asher, Riley Asher (Richard Markiewicz), Eddie Asher (Chi), Taylor Lindquist (Ryan), Shelby Broadbent, Noah Broadbent, Zack Asher, Madison Woods (Dave), Tony A. Asher, Michael Asher, Ralph Asher, and Anna Rose Asher; great-grandmother of River, Jasper and Eliza Markiewicz; daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Shaia; sister of Dr. Fred Shaia (Rose), Victor Shaia (Cheryl), and Diane Fistek (Tom); beloved aunt, great-aunt and dear friend of many. Ann was a longtime member of The Immaculate Conception Sodality and the Lebanese Syrian Junior Women’s League.
Known as Mom, Sittee, Aunt Ann, and my Annie, her family was her world—and she was the heart of theirs. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Maron Church and never missed a weekly service. She attended all of her grandkids’ games, performances, and school events, always there with a smile and unwavering love and support. A good day for Ann was being with her husband, family, and friends. Her presence was a constant source of warmth and encouragement, and her absence will be deeply felt. She will remain in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Maron Church, 7800 Brookside Rd., Independence, OH 44131.
Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maron Church, 1245 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11 am. Please meet at the church. Interment private. Family and friends received at The Ripepi Funeral Home, 5762 Pearl Rd (at Snow Rd.) on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Prayers of Incense at 5 p.m.
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