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AKRON, Ohio – An FBI agent Tuesday described $40,000 in home improvements performed at the home of former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora by a company owned by corruption defendant Michael Forlani.

The testimony came during a sentencing hearing for Forlani that could result in eight years in federal prison after Forlani pled gullty to 13 corruption related crimes.

In court this morning, Forlani agreed to forfeit $900,000 to the government in connection with his bribery schemes.

Forlani appeared upbeat throughout the hearing, smiling and at one point point confided to NewsChannel5 that “things in life could be much more devastating,” referencing the recent school shooting in Connecticut.

Federal prosecutors could call as many as 16 witnesses to describe how they received bribes in return for helping Forlani’s former company, Doan Pyramid Electric, to obtain lucrative contracts.

Former Cleveland Councilwoman Sabra Pierce Scott is expected to testify Tuesday afternoon about a project she helped Forlani obtain in her ward.

Pierce Scott pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

Forlani’s sentencing hearing is expected to continue to tomorrow.

Article Courtesy of WEWS NewsChannel 5