Rufus Taylor, the former head of the City of Cleveland’s demolition department, was charged with soliciting and accepting bribes from contractors in exchange for preferential treatment in federal court on Friday.
Per the criminal information act that was filed, Taylor "was responsible for assigning 'board-up' of vacant properties to contractors, emergency demolition jobs, and conducting inspections, which had to take place before a contractor could be paid, among other duties." He is alleged to have placed multiple contractors on bid lists for demolition jobs in exchange for bribes upward of $8,000.
“Public contracts should go to the most qualified bidder, not the best connected. We will remain vigilant and public employees who take bribes will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman.
Added FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony: “Our citizens are entitled to decisions based on the best interests of the public, not the best interests of corrupt public officials and bribe-paying contractors. The FBI is committed to ensure that those that violate the public trust are held accountable.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea S. Rice and Elliot Morrison. If convicted, Taylor's sentenced will be determined by the court after a review of the factors unique to the case.
