EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – An Ohio Auditor of State’s investigation determined former East Cleveland councilman Ernest Smith used a city-owned vehicle for his personal use at the mayor’s direction ― racking up thousands of dollars in taxpayer money. The criminal investigation was initiated in August 2021 after an East Cleveland city council member filed a complaint.
The Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit conducted a criminal investigation and special audit between the period of January 1, 2018, to March 31, 2022. It found East Clevland Mayor Brandon King allowed Smith to drive two city-owned vehicles for his personal use and keep them at his home. Smith began using the first vehicle ― a 2003 Ford Taurus in January 2018. In 2011 he began driving the second ― a 2011 Dodge Durango.
East Cleveland’s city council vice-president Patricia Blochowiak says this type of behavior doesn’t surprise her.
“Actually, I think this is a smaller deal than some of the others,” said Blochowiak.
On Tuesday, Ohio’s Auditor of State released the results of the investigation, which found King allowed Smith to use the city-owned vehicles during Smith’s term; one that was cut short after he was recalled in November 2022.
The audit found, “Ernest Smith misappropriated fuel purchases over a span of approximately four years.”
“His use of city funds is not acceptable,” said Blochowiak.
The audit report states, “Ernest Smith used a city fleet fuel credit card to purchase gasoline for the vehicle, and the city also paid for the fuel and vehicle repairs. He conducted 157 transactions totaling $6,791 during that four-year period.”
The audit goes on to state, “Council attempted to pass a resolution requesting the vehicle be returned to the city. This attempt was vetoed by the Mayor, Brandon King.”
“I can’t have any of that at the city’s expense,” said Blochowiak.
Smith has faced problems in the past ― after being arrested in 2019 for unlawfully selling alcohol at a party in Euclid. At the time, rumors swirled there were underage exotic dancers in attendance, something Smith has denied.
Now, Smith is facing controversy once again with these latest findings.
“Everyone should be outraged by government corruption,” said Blochowiak. “Especially the citizens of East Cleveland.”
The audit states both Smith and King have 120 days to pay the money back to the city or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office may take legal action to collect the funds. As a result, Blochowiak feels residents could be on the hook for the losses if King and Smith refuse to reimburse the city’s General Fund.
The report also states, “The special audit results were presented to the City of East Cleveland Law Director. The City Prosecutor declined to pursue criminal charges. The exit conference was waived by the City; however, the City Council and Management were given five days to respond to this special audit report. A response was not received from City Council.”
19 Investigates’ efforts to contact King and Smith were unsuccessful.
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