Embattled commissioner speaks after meeting.
Video coverage of Jimmy Dimora talking to the media.
(Cleveland) – Jimmy Dimora attended the Cuyahoga County Commissioners meeting Thursday. and reiterated that he will stay on the job during a federal corruption probe into his government role.
During the meeting Dimora cast votes, even though the two other commissioners had previously asked him to take a 60-day leave.
Jimmy DimoraSpeaking to reporters in his office, Dimora said he is moving ahead with plans to seek an investigation in Congress of the way the corruption probe in Cuyahoga County has been handled.
He contends federal prosecutors are targeting after democrats, and cites a report presented by Michigan Democratic Congressman John Conyers. Dimora says he may use that report has part of his defense.
Dimora also accused the Plain Dealer of being out to get him, and of using the corruption accusations to promote county reform.
Dimora charges that the newspaper has been meeting with reform backers behind closed doors, while accusing county commissioners of holding too many private executive sessions.
He says the men who have pleaded guilty to federal charges have been telling lies about him to win lighter sentences, and promises to refute all accusations at a later date.
Dimora claims he's not worried about any wiretaps or recordings federal prosecutors may have, contending everything he has done has been proper.
The government has identified Dimora as a target of its corruption investigation, but he has not been charged.
A week ago, Dimora was a no-show at the meeting, even though fellow commissioners Tim Hagan and Peter Lawson Jones had expected he would attend. That’s when they asked that Dimora take a 60 day leave of absence.
Dimora admits he would not wish the past year on his worst enemy, calling the accusations a "real nightmare".
Stay tuned to Newsradio WTAM 1100 and WTAM.com for updates.
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