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Here's an article form this morning's PD downloaded at
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/02/federal_agents_raiding_beford.html
Federal agents raiding Bedford offices as part of public corruption probe
Posted by John Caniglia/Plain Dealer Reporter February 19, 2009 09:11AM
Categories: Breaking NewsFederal agents investigating public corruption in Cuyahoga County this morning are raiding the Bedford office of a flooring company and a Bedford Heights warehouse that is used by the flooring company.An FBI agent, carrying a bulletproof vest, walks out of the Nature Stone floor covering store in Bedford today. The raid on the business is part of the ongoing probe into public corruption in Cuyahoga county.
Agents with the FBI and Internal Revenue Service, armed with search warrants, are at Nature Stone flooring at 15 N. Park St. in Bedford and at the warehouse at 24300 Solon Road in Bedford Heights.
The agents aren't saying what they are looking for, but Russ Masetta, the owner of Nature Stone, was named on a list of items seized last August from county Commissioner Jimmy Dimora's offices.
At the time, Masetta said he had no idea why his name is listed. But he said his company had worked on pools at homes of both Dimora and County Auditor Frank Russo and at the Parma schools, where another county official under investigation, J. Kevin Kelley, is a school board member.
Subpoenas and search warrants served in the sweeping investigation indicate that agents suspect some government officials have steered public contracts in exchange for work on their homes or other favors.
This is not the first time Masetta's name has been linked to a high-profile federal investigation.
He built Nature Stone into a booming local success only after pleading guilty to a union-related kickback scheme. Masetta said in an interview last fall that he has left that life behind and had not been contacted by the FBI or IRS.
Russo and Dimora both paid cash for concrete work Nature Stone did at their homes in 2002, Masetta said. Dimora paid $10,125 in cash and Russo paid $7,990 in cash, he said.
"They paid for the work," Masetta said. "There is nothing illegal going on."
Reached this morning by telephone, Masetta's attorney James Kersey said he knew nothing about the raid. But he said Nature Stone has delivered documents to the FBI as part of a subpoena served on Parma's school district.
Two agents were seen leaving the warehouse at about 9:50 a.m. today. They declined to comment on what they were looking for, but a man who identified himself as an employee of Nature Stone said nothing had been taken from the Solon Road warehouse.
The warehouse is close to Interstate 271 in Bedford Heights. It's a gray building set among other businesses in an industrial park. The building holds Nature Stone trucks and bags of materials on pallets.
Two FBI agents showed up about 8 a.m. at the Nature Stone showroom in Bedford, according to Steve DiJulius, owner of the Arabica coffee shop next door.
The showroom is located on the Town Park Square, directly across from the former Town Hall.
The showroom was locked while the agents were inside. Around 10:45 a.m., one agent brought out a paper bag, put it in his car, and went back inside.
Plain Dealer reporters Peter Krouse and Amanda Garrett contributed to this report.COMMENTS (67)Post a commentPosted by cityofdoom on 02/19/09 at 9:22AMCASH?!
CASH?!
TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH?
Who the F#@K pays $10,000.00 CASH for patio work?
Absolutely NOTHING shady going on here! Don't waste your time with an investigation.Posted by Fedup9 on 02/19/09 at 9:25AMDon't be suprised cityofdoom. Dimora spends that much in cash through the McDonalds drive through. Fat A$$ that he is.
Posted by kobeismvp on 02/19/09 at 9:25AMNothing is wrong with this... Masetta said they paid cash for their work so why are they harassing him like that? I think that this is racially motivated...
Posted by Bedford2 on 02/19/09 at 9:27AMWhen this investigation is done, there are going to be a lot of people going DOWN!
Posted by nonsense on 02/19/09 at 9:28AMJohn Caniglia - Thanks for keeping us up on the investigation. It gets harder to keep all the players straight.
I find it interesting that they had that amount of cash available. My wallet doesn't hold that much.
Posted by kbhret on 02/19/09 at 9:28AMI HOPE THEY HURRY UP WITH THE PROBE....
I CAN'T WAIT TO RE-ELECT THESE GUYS AGAIN!!!!
SIGNED,
AVERAGE STUPID OHIO VOTERPosted by kbhret on 02/19/09 at 9:30AMIS IT JIMMY DIMORRA
-OR-
JIMMY CAMORRA
(CAMORRA IS THE ITALIAN MAFIA FOR ALL OF YOU OHIOANS WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN OUTSIDE NE OHIO)
Posted by forestpkwy on 02/19/09 at 9:31AMDo you think Kevin Kelly has a chance to be elected prom queen when he goes to the slam or do you think Frank (Dimples) Russo will edge him out? Also, how long can poor Jimmy DiMora survive on prison fare?
Posted by dogbob on 02/19/09 at 9:37AMpaying cash says it all on their saleries how do they get that much cash let alone live on those high priced houses
Posted by anotherb on 02/19/09 at 9:40AMThe IRS would be especially interested in the "cash" deal to where the cash went. Did it go into Nature Stone's bank account or did it go into Mr. Masetta's pocket. If it were in the books on Nature Stone everything is fine, if not, the IRS can go after Mr. Masetts for not claiming "earnings" on his tax return.
Just a word to the wise if you do a job for cash make sure you dont deposit it in any of your personal bank accounts. If you are ever audited by the IRS one of the first places they start looking into is bank accounts and if you cant account for a deposit then its considered "unclaimed income". They once tried to get me for a $5.00 rebate check that was deposited into my bank account, as "unclaimed income".Posted by kableguy on 02/19/09 at 9:42AMmo of da same.......................jimmy d 3$ frank, omalley marc daffy dann. go dems!
Posted by BradGerlach on 02/19/09 at 9:43AMThe Feds arent looking for something thats there, they are looking for something thats not there.
Im sure the records involving Russo, Jimmy ( The big squishy ) Demoron, and others are probably missing or incomplete. Its called sqeazing the turd until it blurts. Also, 4 more Pizza joints have closed near Dimoras house. Kick backs are so low these days, Dimora is only eating crisco.Posted by goldflash22 on 02/19/09 at 9:45AMRumor has it is that Jimmy Hoffa is buried underneath Dimora's patio!!
Posted by coreno on 02/19/09 at 9:46AMThere may not be a Cuyahoga County Democratic Party once the number of thieves in politics are finally hauled into jail. The tentacles reach into every community, but the machine will ultimately be destroyed by the arrogance and stupidity of those who felt the party was never going to end.
Posted by birdietrucki on 02/19/09 at 9:47AMThis kind of corruption goes on everyday around the U.S. Cleveland isn't the only town to harbor crooks. Bernie Madoff sits in his penthouse in Manhattan and he ripped off thousands of investors all around the country. Our government leaders are ripping off the American people day in and day out. So, this stuff doesn't surprise me one bit. The honest hard working people in this country are being taken.
Posted by fletchstill on 02/19/09 at 9:49AMHere's $ 20,000 ....10 for the cement , and 10 for that thing w/the guy..(wink). Anybody asks........I gave you 10.
You'd only pay cash to avoid exact records..............
Posted by dj12485 on 02/19/09 at 9:51AMJohn Caniglia,
Welcome to Cuyahoga County. Frank Russo is our County Auditor, not Recorder.
Posted by BradGerlach on 02/19/09 at 9:52AMI think they will drag this on until Dimora has a massive heart attack. He must go thru a case of rolaids a day. He will be found stiff and cold on a dairy queen floor, just like the Feds planned it.
Posted by mactheripper on 02/19/09 at 10:00AMFirst of all, paying cash for work done at your house is common. Checks are considered cash after they are deposited into an account. Second, corruption is not limited to a specific party. Here in Cleveland (cuyahoga county) the dems run the show so they fully deserve all of the blame that they are getting. Personally, I will not vote for another democrat in a city or county election until a republican or independant has had an equal opportunity to screw things up. I just hope us Ohioans wake up and see that we can be so much better than we are.
Posted by tremonster on 02/19/09 at 10:17AMI'm heading to the Discount store....tiles are 5.99 a box...gonna re-do my bathroom...LOL
Posted by fletchstill on 02/19/09 at 10:18AMThe journalist took the time to write " in cash"....to me means actual cash, not a check.
Can a PD rep clarify this?
Posted by whyforudo on 02/19/09 at 10:23AMWhats strange about paying 10 gr in cash-Jimmy fats Dimoron paid cash for 10, 000 Big Bufords when Frankie Boy married that live in loafer. They should check out Joe Omalley's house but at least he only has an above ground ghetto pool. But that addition and bus when he ran for mayor of wlake???-I saw Jimmy fats moon bathing on the bus at Huntington one night during the campaign...those corrupt dems should hire Mcfaul of the McFaul Hilton to be their lawyer...he knows how to give out advice on how to dodge subpoenas and they are not good at that...Give em steel Gerry Mc!!!!!!!!
Posted by greenwall on 02/19/09 at 10:24AMthey both paid cash to avoid any evidence, clearly...as for these @sswipe mafia types that bribe unions and kick-back to anyone with an open hand -- thanks for helping to ruin cleveland and now I hope you ALL get ruined....enough of this b-llsh-t already....scum of the earth...
Posted by punkomonkey on 02/19/09 at 10:25AMcash?? cAsH ? CASH !!!!
Holy smokes!!!
The first comment by cityofdoom is right on ... who the hell pays $ 10,000 in cash for anything?? Unbelievable!!!
Was that in 20s or 100s? Unmarked bills?
When is there going to be a Hollywood movie about Cleveland politics ??
.
Posted by chv454ss on 02/19/09 at 10:32AMWonder if the FEDS will raid John Lanigan's & Jimmy Malone's houses, they certainly gave Nature Stone a big push on their show. Did they get work done for free also or will they claim they bartered for it...
Posted by GWBequalsWPE on 02/19/09 at 10:34AMYou woke up this morning. Got yourself a gun.
Mama always said you'd be the Chosen One.She said: You're one in a million you've got to burn to shine,
But you were born under a bad sign, with a blue moon in your eyes.You woke up this morning all the love has gone,
Your Papa never told you about right and wrong.But you're looking good, baby, I believe you're feeling fine, (shame about it),
Born under a bad sign with a blue moon in your eyes.You woke up this morning the world turned upside down,
Thing's ain't been the same since the Blues walked into town.But you're one in a million you've got that shotgun shine.
Born under a bad sign, with a blue moon in your eyes.When you woke up this morning, when you woke up this morning,
When you woke up this morning, you got yourself a gun.Posted by tw22222001 on 02/19/09 at 10:35AMI have a lot of Italian friends and many of them would never lie, cheat, steal or hurt anyone....so let's leave the racial and ethnic slurs out of this.
If you really want to help, keep the families of these people in your prayers.Posted by winkster on 02/19/09 at 10:40AMFeds don't forget to stop at Parma City Hall 6611 Ridge Rd..
Posted by becca584 on 02/19/09 at 10:43AMEnough about this boring stuff.
Do you guys think the Cavs need to swing a trade today? Deadline is at 3pm...it'd be nice if we had Marcus Camby playing for us next week.
Posted by cityofdoom on 02/19/09 at 10:46AM***NEWS FLASH***
Independence Board of Zoning Appeals
DOCKET NUMBER: 8675309
Franchise Partners USA, having purchased a residential home, seeks permission to demolish existing structure, have property re-zoned for General Retail Business with Drive-Thru for purpose of operating a Dunkin Donuts franchise. We are pleased to present a letter of support from our new neighbor and adjacent property owner Mr. Jimmy Dimora. (please see attached)Posted by rpuck on 02/19/09 at 10:46AMtw22222001..........that's funny.....what is that old joke...
the italian businessman stoled the jewish business ethic book and could not believe how small it was.....
relax folks...it is just a joke....
Posted by vogue1 on 02/19/09 at 10:49AMIsn't it strange that Dimoron and Russo both paid cash for the pool work?
It just "doesn't pass the smell test." The cashola came out the envelope that was handed to them by another general contractor. Dimoron and Russo were in effect practicing in the art of money laundering. They can take the receipts that were made out to each of them and write it off on their taxes. I love the irony! However it quite clear the Feds are not amused....Posted by roger46 on 02/19/09 at 10:49AMWhen they get these guys and any others they should take all thier property and all thier assets and all thier familys assets. When you run for office and get elected or get hired to work for the tax payers everyone should be advised that if you steal or take bribes or brake the law , you will subject all your and your familys assets to repay the tax payers . Its a shame but everyone who does business in the county, city knows they have to pay bribes . What a rip off when these people working for the city and county are already paid well . The only way to clean it up is CLEAN HOUSE and have term limits.
Posted by yourhonor on 02/19/09 at 10:54AMYour telling me that the two crooks Dimora and Russo paid cash for patio work...... come on stop it already. Russo and his boyfriend have been living large for years.
Posted by yourhonor on 02/19/09 at 11:02AMJimmy Dimora and Frank Russo paid nothing for the work done at their homes.
Posted by parmamother on 02/19/09 at 11:10AMFBI please go to PCSD and Parma City Hall next. They want us to pass a school levy in May? Maybe the should get the money from Kevin Kelley - as our students suffer with pay to play.
We need to reform the PCSD before we pass any more tax levies!
Posted by parmaproud on 02/19/09 at 11:12AMRoger46: Term limits do not work. They have failed miserably at the state level. There is a leadership vaccum and all it has led to is job jumping. Term limits do not work. Good candidates and finance reform do.
Posted by rhbole on 02/19/09 at 11:14AMBottom Line -
Law abiding citizens (unless their income is immense) don't have more than $1,000 cash on hand at any given time. Period.
Posted by username1997 on 02/19/09 at 11:19AMseems like its all the companies who have radio commercials on the Triv show. first was that gutter guy, now its the flooring guy. Good thing Triv's contract will not be renewed. Always eating on air and insulting females.
Posted by mabelkitty on 02/19/09 at 11:25AMThere are federal reporting requirements for paying with cash. Don't be fooled - it's how Elliott Spitzer got caught.
This is starting to smell like money laundering in addition to a bunch of other charges. I hope the Feds take their good old time on this so they get everyone.
Posted by redbrickbarn on 02/19/09 at 11:31AMWhy don't they just hit every municipality in Cuyahoga county. After their done they can bulldoze the entire county and make a park out of it in memorial of incompetency and corruption to the extreme.
Posted by monkey24 on 02/19/09 at 11:32AMusername:
cant believe Triv is still on the air. Just another fat azz dago with no brains.
Posted by chibuck11 on 02/19/09 at 11:34AMThis explains why they didn't select the FCE site for the Convention Center - they knew they were going down and didn't want incredibly long prison sentences.
It's easy to see why the FCE rep said at the recent public meeting "no one from MMMI has called anyone at FC for over two months." For all of the money they "invested" with the County Commissioners they expect at least weekly contact.
Posted by mabelkitty on 02/19/09 at 11:34AMPlease. Dimora isn't Mafia. They don't have stupid people flapping their jaws and leaving cash trails all over a dying rust belt that has no money. Think about it.
They've since moved on to the big leagues of Wall Street decades ago.
Dimora is a stupid wannabe who is really just a garden variety thief.
Posted by parmadian on 02/19/09 at 11:36AMCheck on Kevin Kelley too he had work done for the PCSD. He is in the fleecings also.
Posted by BradGerlach on 02/19/09 at 11:47AMAgree Mabelkitty. But at least give him credit for housing the Corleone family under his lobster bib and being 600 lbs. over weight.
Posted by pmtriangle on 02/19/09 at 11:53AMtw22222001: I'll save my prayers for those who really need it, not these greedy thieves and there families who enjoyed the lifestyle that we paid for.
Posted by birdietrucki on 02/19/09 at 12:02PMWhen large amounts of "cash" exchange hands it is usually done to cover something up. Money laundering is used to conceal the origins of money obtained illegally by transfers of business through legitimate businesses. That's why criminals deal in cash transactions.
Posted by PanicDawg on 02/19/09 at 12:37PMThere is nothing illegal about making a cash payment. With all the credit card fraud and identity theft it is the safest way to do business. LOL
Posted by truth1 on 02/19/09 at 12:50PMThose defending Fat Boy Slim and Liberace are either very ignorant or part of the corruption itself.
These two , along with many others are traitors to the citizens of Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland.
They have been stealing money and benefits from the city,county and state for years. That means they have been stealing from you , your children, your neighbors,etc.
I will celebrate like no other when they all go to prison.
Posted by sizzler228 on 02/19/09 at 1:37PMHow many of you keep more than a few hundred dollars in cash in your homes? How many of you keep ten thousand dollars in cash in your homes? This is sickening--just sickening.
Posted by johnnynova on 02/19/09 at 2:16PMRusty Masetta was a legit "soldati" for the creme puff LA faction of the "LCN".
He married into the Milano family of Cleveland. Frank Milano was a boss before my great grandfather was.This isn't his 1st scrape with the Feds.
As he found out,its not easy going "straight".
As far Jimmy D not being "mafia".....well he's dealt with some players like Pappalardo.
Kevin Patton is the grandson of "Shimey" Patton who ran many a gambling joints on Harvard back in the day.Posted by kbhret on 02/19/09 at 4:49PMNO CLEVELAND JURY COULD CONVICT THE SAME KNUCKLEHEADS THAT THEY'LL RE-ELECT IN NOVEMBER.
Posted by poparent on 02/19/09 at 5:20PMWasn't Nature Stone one of the businesses that had Kevin Kelley, the Parma Board member, as a consultant for a regular monthly check (payoff?).
For all you apologists, who keeps 10K in cash around. It is hard to even withdraw that amount from a bank, as most of the cash drawers don't have that amount in them. There is only two possible reasons for that cash payment, 1) it never happened and the work was a payoff for the contract steering or 2) it was undeclared income (probably both to payor and payee), ergo, tax evasion.
Posted by Geary on 02/19/09 at 5:21PMCash means not credit. I paid cash of our last house as in not taking out a mortgage. The money is traceable.
Now, the boys in the story will have to show their paper trail to legitimize the transaction. If not then the show just keeps getting better.
Posted by onefifth on 02/19/09 at 5:25PMhhhhhhmmmmmmm......................paying cash to a guy convicted of a kick back scheme? go figure............j kelley one for the rocky river alumni hall of fame!
Posted by formerakron on 02/19/09 at 5:48PMPaying $10k in cash for anything automatically alerts the IRS! That's federal law.
Posted by nowthis on 02/19/09 at 6:22PMI feel the Irish have been left out of the joke loop here.. I smell discrimination
What's the difference between an Irish wedding and an Irish funeral?
One less drunk!Seriously though, the smell just gets worse and it's not the river this time.
Posted by exposevinci on 02/19/09 at 6:41PMI wonder how much went for the stripper pole in Dimora's basement? Before someone shot air into Vinci's veins she was giving lessons to the wife for a new career after Jimmy and Frankie go to the big house.
Posted by parmamenian on 02/19/09 at 7:19PMI'm surprised...I would have thought Russo would have used mosaics instead of Nature Stone. I can envision a big mosaic pattern of his big fat face...like one of those photo-shopped images on the gas pumps.
Posted by MoGreene on 02/19/09 at 7:38PMIndictments coming soon, to a theater near you.
Posted by Ihateyouguys on 02/19/09 at 8:36PMWhat did the FBI expect to find 6 months after the initial raid on Dimora? The guy raided today knew his name was part of the Dimora raid - unless he was totally retarded, he would've destroyed anything linking him to corruption.
