Former East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King was sentenced Wednesday to three years of probation and ordered to pay more than $27,000 in restitution following his conviction on multiple public corruption charges earlier this year.
As part of his sentence, King must also submit to random drug testing, obtain full-time employment, and complete 100 hours of community service. He has been permanently barred from holding any public office.
King, who served as mayor since 2016, was found guilty in May on charges including theft in office, having an unlawful interest in a public contract, and soliciting improper compensation. Prosecutors said he funneled more than $75,000 in city funds to businesses owned by himself or his relatives.
Before sentencing, King joined supporters in a moment of prayer inside the courtroom.
Despite the emotional show of support, prosecutors pushed for a prison sentence, citing the “seriousness” of his offenses and accusing him of exploiting the trust placed in him as the city’s highest-ranking official.
“He didn’t just hold a position of public trust — he held the highest position in East Cleveland, and he betrayed that trust,” prosecutors told the court.
King’s attorney said his client intends to appeal the conviction and declined to offer further comment. He argued that barring King from future public office was itself a significant consequence.
“We believe a prison sentence isn’t necessary to protect the public,” the attorney said. “The prohibition on seeking public office is punishment enough.”
The sentencing comes a day after East Cleveland City Councilman Ernest Smith, who was implicated in the same corruption probe, was also sentenced to three years of probation. Smith was previously convicted on charges including theft in office, misuse of public credit cards, and soliciting improper compensation. His misconduct cost the city more than $13,500.
