Yost Pledges Review of Cuyahoga County Auditor's Office

Release:

Republican Auditor of State candidate Dave Yost pledged today to review the transactions of the Cuyahoga County Auditor's office that resulted in federal charges -- and to seek full restitution.

"The people deserve to know exactly how much is due to the public treasury, and to have restitution for every dime," Yost said. "As Auditor I will work closely with federal prosecutors to make sure that happens."

Russo resigned today after being charged with in a 21-count federal information including offenses of bribery and tax offenses. The information alleges more than a million dollars in bribes and kickbacks through an appraisal contract with a private company.

"Charging too much for a public contract and kicking back money to the politician - that's no different than stealing the money right out of the till," Yost said. "I will work with other authorities to make sure that the people of Cuyahoga County are made whole."