News

Columbus – Former Niles Mayor Ralph Infante was sentenced to ten years in prison today following a public corruption trial in Trumbull County. The sentence was issued by Visiting Judge Patricia Ann Cosgrove, who also ordered more than $51,000 to be paid in restitution to the state and to the City of Niles.

Infante was found guilty on May 7th on the following counts:

• One count of Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, a felony of the first degree
• 13 counts of Tampering with Records, felonies of the third degree
• One count of Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract, a felony of the fourth degree
• Two counts of Theft in Office, felonies of the fifth degree
• Four counts of Operating a Gambling House, misdemeanors of the first degree
• One count of Falsification, a misdemeanor of the first degree

The case was prosecuted by the Ohio Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Section following an investigation by the Ohio Auditor of State's Public Integrity Unit. The Trumbull County Sheriff's Office and the Youngstown office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation also provided assistance in this case.

"Today's sentence shows that public officials will be held accountable when they abuse their positions for personal gain," said Attorney General DeWine. "Public officials like Mr. Infante who use their office for personal gain will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

“This case is a stern reminder that no one – even an elected official – stands above the law,” Auditor Yost said. “Congratulations to the diligent  staff of my office's Public Integrity Assurance Team, as well as everyone at the state and federal levels who worked tirelessly in their pursuit of justice."

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

Contact:
Beth Gianforcaro
AOS Press Secretary
614-644-1111

Dan Tierney
AGO Spokesperson
614-466-3840