Ohio Judge Terry Found Guilty of Rigging Foreclosure and Mail Fraud Corruption Case

AKRON, Ohio - The Cuyahoga County judge charged in the county corruption investigation for allegedly fixing a foreclosure case has been found guilty on three of the five charges he was facing.

The federal jury returned the verdict against Judge Steven Terry shortly before 2 p.m. Monday in Akron.

Terry, who was facing five charges, was found guilty of counts one, three and four – which were related to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud. Our reporter in the courtroom said Terry remained calm as the verdict was read.

Terry made a brief statement after the verdict, saying he will resign his post as judge as a result of Monday's verdict. He said he respects, but disagrees with the verdict.

The jury started deliberations Friday afternoon, and then picked up again Monday morning.

During closing arguments Friday, the prosecutor said there are recorded phone conversations between Terry and former Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo that proved Terry was corrupt.

“I did what you wanted in the case. I took care of the issues and denied all motions,” Terry allegedly said to Russo during one of the calls from July 2008.

The defense argued that there’s insufficient evidence to convict Terry. Terry’s attorney told the jury that his client is a smart guy, but naïve and not corrupt. He described the judge as a well-meaning, trusting court official.

Terry took the stand two different days during the trial. He testified that he gave both sides in the case in question equal footing.

Russo, who is facing 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to his role in the corruption scandal, testified earlier this week that he gave campaign contributions to Terry and expected to get benefits, like favorable rulings, in return.

Terry could face 20 years in prison for each count. He’ll be sentenced September 7 at 10 a.m.

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association President Barbara Roman issued this statement Monday afternoon:
" Today is unquestionably a sad day for our community. As one would expect, the conviction of Judge Terry is troubling to the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and to the lawyers and judges in our community who comprise our membership. We recognize the fact that an independent, impartial and fair judiciary is indispensable to our system of justice. We understand, in the wake of this conviction, that front page publicity and evidence introduced at trial may cause some to question the overall soundness and integrity of our bench."

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