WARREN — A former assistant city prosecutor in Warren was sentenced to three years of probation for his role in a bribery scheme involving a Niles businessman.

U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. in Cleveland ruled Nick Graham, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy in August, must spend the first five months on home detention with electronic monitoring during his hearing Wednesday. Charges of wire fraud and extortion were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Graham’s lawyers included David J. Betras, Frank L. Cassese and Brian Patrick Kopp. On the government’s side were Assistant U.S. Attorneys Blake Jackson Ellison, James L. Morford and Elliot D. Morrison.

Graham and co-conspirator Brian Votino were indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024 on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and extortion.

Votino, who also received probation, was sentenced earlier this week to the first 60 days on house arrest.

According to the indictment, Graham had used his job as Warren’s prosecutor to help Votino with his criminal cases in exchange for car repairs. Votino owned an auto repair shop and had faced charges in Warren Municipal Court: one for felony drug possession and another for driving under the influence.

Prosecutors said Graham reduced Votino’s drug charge from a fifth-degree felony to a first-degree misdemeanor. He also changed the DUI to a lesser offense of reckless operation. Graham pushed for light sentences, like suspended time and probation for Votino.

In return, Votino fixed Graham’s truck and checked out his golf cart. To hide their deal, the two men talked through a third person called K.M. They used coded words in messages. Votino also made fake bills to make the repairs look normal.

The indictment listed many actions, like text messages, phone calls and meetings where they talked about the bribes and Graham’s help in court.

Graham had worked as an assistant city prosecutor for 21 years. He was fired in September 2022 by Warren City Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa.

After pleading guilty, Graham’s other charges of wire fraud and extortion were dismissed. He had been awaiting a presentence investigation. Votino’s guilty plea in July led to his charges of extortion and wire fraud also being dropped.