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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Corruption trial focuses on Jimmy Dimora's trip to Las Vegas

Corruption trial focuses on Jimmy Dimora's trip to Las Vegas
By: Ellen McGregor, newsnet5.com

AKRON, Ohio - It almost seemed like a soap opera storyline. Jimmy Dimora insulted his wife in a recorded phone call about a Las Vegas trip played for the jury during his federal corruption trial in Akron on Friday.

Frank Russo talked about whores and tiki huts in a call with co-defendant Michael Gabor, which was also played for the jury. Other calls mentioned gambling credits, penthouses and limo rides.

U.S. attorneys also introduced several pictures, bank receipts, bid documents and more as evidence Friday morning in the largest public corruption trial in Cuyahoga County history.

Federal prosecutors accuse the former county commissioner of bribery and racketeering. Witness testimony from an FBI special agent said Dimora, Gabor and others accepted room upgrades and limo rides arranged by local businessman Ferris Kleem. Kleem and former auditor Russo have already pleaded guilty, along with dozens of other people.

In one wiretap recording before the trip to Vegas in 2008, Dimora talked with Joe Vinciguerra of Lou’s Gourmet Sausage. Dimora said there would be adult activity happening on the trip. Dimora used language considered vulgar to describe the adult activity and frequently called women "broads."

Then Dimora said, “My wife’s just putting up with it. What’s she gonna do, be a demo'r her whole life? She’s got, she’s got no chance.”

FBI Special Agent Michael Massie explained the term “demo’r” in the call. He testified Dimora’s wife Lori used to hand out sausage samples.

Lori Dimora has arrived at federal court each day since jury selection last week, often times holding Dimora’s hand.

In addition to playing attention-grabbing calls, U.S. Assistant Attorney Ann Rowland also introduced several documents and photos as evidence. Prosecutors are trying to establish that Dimora accepted gifts in exchange for helping Kleem win bids with the county.

Rowland is weaving in the comparatively drier evidence with the more lively and descriptive wiretaps.

Special agent Massie testified several FBI members were on the trip to Vegas to watch the group. Some agents even were on the same plane as Dimora.

More detailed testimony about the trip itself is expected Friday after the lunch recess.

During the afternoon, jurors watched video of Dimora playing blackjack at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, where Kleem gives Dimora more than $3,000 worth of chips. The jury was also shown pictures of Dimora and Gabor bare-chested, sitting at the hotel pool.

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