Ex-city prosecutor, businessman face charges

Federal indictment claims Nicholas Graham used office to obtain vehicle repairs in exchange for lenient sentences

WARREN -- A former prosecutor for the Warren Law Department and the owner of an automobile repair shop in Niles have been indicted on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and extortion in an indictment that was unsealed Tuesday.

Both men were arrested the same day after being indicted by a federal grand jury.

The indictment includes three counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, honest services wire fraud and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right.

The federal indictment filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio in the courtroom of Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. alleges the men engaged in a bribery scheme beginning in October 2019, where former city prosecutor Nicholas Graham used his position to reduce criminal charges against repair shop owner Brian Votino in exchange for auto repair services and parts.

The indictment outlines that Votino had two criminal cases pending in Warren Municipal Court, one for felony drug possession and another for driving under the influence. In exchange for bribes, Graham allegedly took official actions to reduce Votino's drug charge from a fifth-degree felony to a first-degree misdemeanor and his DUI charge to a lesser offense of reckless operation.

Graham is accused of advocating for lenient sentences, including suspended sentences and probation for Votino.

To conceal their arrangement, the two men reportedly communicated through a third party known as K.M. and used coded language in their messages. The indictment claims that Votino also falsified billing for the auto repair services to make them appear legitimate.

In one example, K.M. is alleged to have arranged a meeting between Graham and Votino under the pretense of discussing repairs on Graham's vehicle. This meeting was part of an ongoing scheme to use Graham's influence to alter the outcome of Votino's legal cases. The indictment details multiple overt acts, including text messages, phone calls and meetings where the two defendants discussed the bribes and Graham's efforts to reduce Votino's charges.

Graham, who worked 21 years in the role of assistant city prosecutor, was fired in September 2022 by Warren City Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa.