Tamela LeeFBI
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Former Summit County Councilwoman Tamela Lee was convicted Friday of six corruption-related charges after prosecutors said she took bribes from a convenience store owner in exchange for political favors.
Lee, 58, was accused of taking money, food and cigarettes from Omar Abdelqader, the owner of several Bi-Rites in the Akron area, in exchange for her intervening in a criminal case involving Abdelqader’s nephew. She also wrote a letter of support for Abdelqader’s friend, who was under investigation by the IRS.
It took the jury less than two hours to deliver its verdict.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko will sentence her May 26. She faces up to 10 years in federal prison, per federal sentencing guidelines.
She is free on bond.
Lee’s attorney, federal public defender Timothy Ivey, said Lee would pursue an appeal.
This story will be updated.
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