East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King has been suspended from office following a decision by a panel of three retired judges overseeing his corruption case. The Special Commission, appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court, voted 2-1 on Tuesday to remove King from his duties, citing that his conduct had “adversely affected the functioning of the office or the rights and interests of the public.”
King, who has served as mayor since 2016, faces a 12-count indictment alleging he used his position to direct more than $76,000 in city funds to businesses owned by himself or his family. Charges against him include theft in office, having an unlawful interest in a public contract, and filing a false disclosure statement. King pleaded not guilty in November and was released on bond. Under Ohio law, public officials charged with felonies related to their duties can be removed from office while their cases proceed. While he retains his title and salary, King is barred from performing any mayoral responsibilities during his suspension. His attorney has indicated that he may appeal the ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Uncertainty Over City Leadership
With King’s removal, the city is left without a clear acting mayor. According to East Cleveland’s charter, the finance director would typically assume mayoral duties if the mayor is temporarily unavailable. However, the position is currently vacant, with an interim director in place. If the absence is considered “long-term,” the council president would step in, followed by the council vice president or the longest-serving council member.
City Council President Lateek Shabazz has asserted that he should assume the role, stating, “The city is stalled. We weren’t moving. There’s so much corruption going on here.” However, Law Director Willa Hemmons has challenged his claim, arguing that as the city’s only confirmed official under the charter’s succession rules, she should be acting mayor. She also pointed to misdemeanor charges against Shabazz—filed by King’s administration—as a potential disqualifier.
The legal battle over city leadership has deepened a long-standing power struggle between King and the council. In 2023, the council voted to remove Hemmons as law director, but King refused to recognize their authority to do so. As a result, she continues to function as the city’s legal representative, though council members argue she primarily serves as King’s personal attorney.
Adding to the turmoil, the Cuyahoga County Probate Court announced that it will oversee the process of selecting an interim mayor. Interested candidates must submit applications by February 14, outlining their qualifications and vision for the city. Until a decision is made, the mayor’s office remains vacant.
Corruption Allegations and Political Fallout
King’s legal troubles stem from allegations that he directed public contracts toward his private business interests. Prosecutors claim he arranged for the city’s domestic violence department to lease office space in a building owned by his company, a deal that earned him over $100,000 in five years. The indictment also includes multiple counts of unlawful interest in public contracts, theft in office, and other ethics violations.
Despite the suspension, King’s tenure as mayor has been marked by resilience against political challenges. He survived two recall attempts in 2022 and 2023 and has been elected twice since taking over for ousted former mayor Gary Norton. However, with his trial date yet to be set and city leadership in flux, East Cleveland remains in a state of uncertainty.
As the legal process unfolds, Shabazz has sought to reassure residents, stating, “I want you to know East Cleveland is still safe. There is nothing going wrong just because this mayor has been indicted and removed.” Meanwhile, the city awaits the court’s decision on who will lead in King’s absence, with its next regular mayoral election scheduled for November.