East Cleveland Police Department

Gardner pleaded guilty March 12 to failing to pay state taxes between 2014 and 2019.

The charges against seven East Cleveland police officers include felonious assault and interference with civil rights.

The officers, Willie Sims and Alfonzo Cole, allegedly stole from people they had pulled over or during calls for service during 2020 and 2021.

Mayor Justin Bibb wants to spend a third of the city's American Rescue Plan Act money on home repairs, construction and rehabilitation; East Cleveland Police Chief Scott Gardner is on paid administrative leave after being indicted on 13 felony charges including tax evasion and tampering with records; and more stories.

The charges include failure to pay taxes for years, theft and tampering with records.

The officer’s use of deadly force was based on his understanding of the situation and was within the bounds of the law, Attorney General Dave Yost said.