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Trial begins for former East Cleveland police officers charged in bribery case

The case dates back more than five years ago to June of 2018.

CLEVELAND — The trial for two former East Cleveland police officers — Von Harris and Demarkco Johnson — has begun as both are facing multiple charges in an alleged bribery case dating back more than five years.

The trial is being held before Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Maureen Clancy. Attorneys for both sides gave their opening statements on Wednesday.

Harris and Johnson were indicted on the following charges, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office:

  • One count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity
  • Two counts of conspiracy
  • Three counts of bribery
  • Eight counts of forgery
  • One count of insurance fraud
  • One count of identity fraud

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Here’s how the prosecutor’s office outlines the allegations against Harris and Johnson:

On June 13, 2018, Von Harris and Demarkco Johnson, in police uniform, provided an individual with falsified police reports in exchange for two cash payments of $200 outside of the East Cleveland Police Department.

On June 20, Harris and Johnson provided an individual with falsified police reports in exchange for two cash payments of $200 outside of a gas station near Shaw Avenue and Euclid Avenue in East Cleveland.

On July 24, Harris and Johnson provided an individual with falsified police reports in exchange for two cash payments of $500 outside of a gas station near Shaw Avenue and Euclid Avenue in East Cleveland.

An investigation conducted with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed Harris and Johnson falsified police reports and took money from the individual for their personal use. The individual planned to file an insurance claim worth over $10,000 with the falsified police reports.

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