Three former East Cleveland police officers were sentenced to prison Monday for crimes committed while serving in uniform, marking a significant chapter in the city’s ongoing corruption scandal that has seen nearly 20 current and former officers indicted.
The officers—former Commander Larry McDonald, Sergeant Anthony Holmes, and Detective Ian McInnes—appeared in Cuyahoga County court before Judge Sherrie Miday, who underscored the deep impact of law enforcement officers violating public trust.
Larry McDonald, who once held one of the department’s highest ranks, received the longest sentence: four years in prison. A jury previously found him guilty of multiple offenses, including tampering with evidence, obstruction of official business, and dereliction of duty. Prosecutors said in March 2023, McDonald failed to report a crash that occurred at the end of a police pursuit and then abandoned the scene without notifying dispatch.
During sentencing, community members spoke out, with one resident stating, “There were a lot of people afraid of this officer.” McDonald, who expressed that losing his position felt like a prison sentence itself, told the court, “I’ve been humiliated and cast upon because I did my job. I did a great job for the City of East Cleveland.”
Former Sergeant Anthony Holmes was sentenced to one year in prison following a 2024 conviction for tampering with records, fraud, interfering with civil rights, and dereliction of duty. According to prosecutors, Holmes struck a teen’s vehicle during a police chase and then falsely claimed the suspect had hit him.
Detective Ian McInnes was sentenced to two and a half years behind bars for felonious assault, interfering with civil rights, and related charges. Prosecutors said McInnes assaulted suspects in three separate incidents—kicking individuals after they had surrendered.
Judge Miday emphasized the serious breach of trust involved in each case, noting that misconduct by officers undermines the integrity of law enforcement and the safety of the public they are sworn to protect.
In addition to their prison sentences, all three men have had their police certifications permanently revoked as a result of their felony convictions.
A fourth former officer, John Hartman, was also scheduled for sentencing on Monday, but his hearing was postponed to a later date.