East Cleveland

Erica Campbell's testimony in an April hearing lead to the reversal of the 2019 murder conviction of Jerry Sims in East Cleveland.

King and Smith, a former council member, were convicted of corruption-related charges on May 29, 2025.

The power struggle appears to stem from a conflict between the city charter and the state law

King was facing 12 felony and misdemeanor counts related to contracts between the city and two companies owned by King’s family.

Sandra Morgan is seeking to pass a budget, expand the police department, conduct forensic audits of city government and avoid bankruptcy.

The charges stem from city contracts and payments King authorized to businesses he and his family members owned, according to the release.

East Cleveland City Council President Twon Billings said low morale has reduced the ranks of East Cleveland police to dangerous levels.

Gardner pleaded guilty March 12 to failing to pay state taxes between 2014 and 2019.

Hundreds of people in Cleveland each year are gunshot survivors. Those crimes impact families for years to come after, from medical expenses to physical disabilities and mental health challenges.

East Cleveland native Donté Gibbs has distributed gifts to more than 6,000 families in his community for more than a decade.