Eric Brewer holds news conference after compromising pictures are circulated.
Listen to Eric Brewer's entire statement
Listen to Gary Norton's response
(East Cleveland) - East Cleveland Mayor Eric Brewer is lashing out at his primary opponent and the East Cleveland Police Department.
Brewer is blaming them for graphic, sexual photos that have been circulating in the community that appear to show Brewer dressed in women's clothing and makeup.
During a Thursday news conference, Brewer referenced the photos, but did not confirm or deny that the pictures are of him.
The pictures came to light Wednesday evening during a story on WKYC-TV. This is just days before Brewer's Tuesday primary election against Gary Norton.
Norton, who arrived after Brewer's statement, says he and his staff had nothing to do with passing the photos around the city. He tells WTAM 1100 he wants the campaign to be about the issues and Norton says he's not happy this happened.
Mayor Eric Brewer Photo from WKYC-TV
Norton serves as East Cleveland's council president and was a top aide to Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones.
Norton says he's seen the photos and thinks they do look like Brewer. When asked if someone on his staff could have leaked the pictures, Norton said, "I don't think so."
Gary Norton
Brewer thinks the photos were obtained by someone on the East Cleveland Police Department, an organization he has butted heads with.
Brewer also asked for the media to respect his privacy after the death Wednesday of his father.
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