Yesterday, during his sentencing hearing and for the first time since his trial began in January, Dimora addressed the court.

He did not apologize.

He insisted he had only done what he thought was best for the county. He choked up one point when talking about his wife.  And he said the feds had “created a mountain out of a mole hill.” 

Some observers wondered if that speech didn’t do more harm than good, but his attorney Bill Whitaker said later it was correct.

“He told thwe court that he never once cast a vote for anybody but those who made the lowest bid and were staff recommended. “

U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi said she believed Dimora did help his constituents,  and that Bedford Heights was better off for his service as mayor.  And she said maybe Dimora had intended to serve the same way as county commissioner.  But “somewhere along the way his focus changed” and “somewhere along the way he changed.”

She said the corruption that he and Frank Russo brought to county government was “systematic and pervasive.”  Lioi then ordered Dimora to spend the next 28 years in jail.

Outside the courthouse, Assistant U.Ss attorney Anne Rowland was not celebrating.

She said the reputations of many honest county employees were tarnished by the prosecutions. But she pointed out changes in the way the county now operates due to the scandal.

 “We note that the county now requires all of its vendors to undergo extensive training in ethics. We also note the efforts of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and both political parties to improve the vetting of judicial candidates.  We hope today’s sentence sends a clear message  to those who might be tempted to take bribes or to pay bribes in the future. “

Rowland was echoed by FBI Special Agent-in-Charge, Steven Anthony.

“Seeing what pervasive corruption can do to our community has caused uis to redouble our efforts.”

But the defense is not ready to move on.  Whitaker called the sentence “grossly unfair.

“[Others] will get far less sentences.  It is enormously unfair and it will be appealed.”

Whitaker is also appealing Dimora’s conviction because the court did not allow a jury to see Dimora’s financial filings with the state ethics commission. Those reports show he had reported the gifts and donations he received.