Gary Johnson, Toledo City Councilman, has decided to take voluntary suspension of his seat. All four councilpersons are now on voluntary suspension while their bribery cases are adjudicated. The move comes after Ohio AG Dave Yost filed a complaint with the Ohio Supreme Court, three other councilpersons stepped down last week. All four Yvonne Harper, Larry Sykes, Tyrone Riley, and Gary Johnson face bribery and extortion charges following a two year FBI investigation. Local attorney Keith Mitchell is also charged in relation to the investigation.
The councilpersons are now prohibited from taking part in council business including votes and meetings. They will continue to be paid however. Replacements will be chosen by Probate Judge Jack Puffenberger and have until August 21 to apply. Those chosen will get paid on a pro-rated basis and receive benefits. Letters of intent and resumes can be emailed to judgepuff@lucas-co-probate-ct.org., mailed by USPS, or dropped off at a box at the probate court offices.