Former Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones has been sentenced to 28 months in federal prison after being convicted of fraud-related charges stemming from his time in office. U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese also ordered Jones to repay over $100,000 to two nonprofits that prosecutors say he defrauded.
Jones, who represented Cleveland’s Ward 7, entered the courtroom Tuesday hoping for leniency, with his attorney advocating for probation instead of prison time. His lawyer characterized the offenses as a small part of an otherwise positive life, arguing that Jones’s contributions to the community outweighed his misdeeds.
In December, Jones pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Prosecutors alleged that while in office, he orchestrated schemes that deceived two nonprofit organizations into providing more than $140,000 for supposed community projects. Instead, authorities say, the funds were funneled to Jones, his girlfriend, and other associates.
Addressing the court, Jones expressed remorse, stating that he accepted full responsibility for his actions. He offered apologies to his victims, his family, and the Cleveland community.
Federal investigators detailed how, after taking office in 2017, Jones leveraged his political position for personal gain. In one instance, he allegedly solicited $50,000 for a backpack giveaway for local children, an event that never took place. Authorities claim he split the funds with others, including his girlfriend, who now faces related charges.
Despite Cleveland’s long history of political corruption cases, the judge remarked that such scandals had failed to dissuade Jones from engaging in fraudulent activities. The court has allowed him to self-report to prison at a later, unspecified date. His girlfriend is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
Outside the courthouse, reporters pressed Jones for a message to the community. “God is in control of all. God is always in control,” he stated. When asked what he would say to those who had trusted and voted for him, he repeated, “God is in control. God is in control.”