Racketeering, gambling trial for ex-Ohio mayor to begin

NILES >> A former longtime Ohio mayor accused of taking bribes in exchange for jobs and running an illegal gambling house is about to go on trial.

Former Niles Mayor Ralph Infante has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including tampering with records, theft in office, illegal gambling and racketeering. He was mayor of the northeastern Ohio city for 24 years before losing the 2015 Democratic primary.

The Warren Tribune Chronicle reports Infante’s trial was scheduled to begin Monday in Trumbull County.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has said the 63-year-old Infante received nearly $200,000 in unreported cash, income and gifts and ran an illegal gambling house in Girard.

Infante’s wife, Judith, pleaded no contest last week to one charge each of filing false income tax records and falsifying records.