A former and longtime prosecutor in Ohio was indicted on several charges after he was accused of going easy on a criminal mechanic in exchange for car repairs.
Nicholas Graham, 52, stands accused of one count each of conspiracy, wire fraud, and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right, according to an indictment filed in September.
The indictment was unsealed following his arrest on Tuesday.
In an "I scratch your back, you scratch my back" type of arrangement, Graham would allegedly receive free automobile parts and repair services while Brian Votino, the owner of an auto parts and repair business, would receive reduced criminal charges and more lenient sentencing—specifically in two pending criminal cases, according to prosecutors.
The middleman, known only as "KM," proved to be their downfall as he reportedly disclosed the deal made between Graham and Votino to the authorities.
The men would use coded language to send messages through KM to one another in reference to the scheme.
Prosecutors allege the conspirators were very clear about their efforts to try and cover up the corruption—especially Graham.
"Tell him not even to tell his attorney," Graham reportedly told KM in October 2019.
"Tell him once he orders that and does everything; I still want him to give me a bill just to have."
Later that day, KM called Votino to deliver the message.
"What you talked about yesterday stays between you and him," KM told Votino.
"Write out a bill, just to cover his a—— that he paid."
However, prosecutors say Graham did not pay for any services rendered by Votino.
Rather, he "took official action" to reduce Votino's "first-degree misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence to a third-degree misdemeanor charge for the reckless operation of a vehicle," according to the indictment.
He allegedly reduced Votino's "fifth-degree felony drug possession charge to a first-degree misdemeanor drug possession charge."
Votino is facing the same charges Graham is.
