Assistant County Prosecutor Faces Bribery, Drug Charges


Cuyahoga County Assistant Prosecutor Aaron Phillips, 36, is used to court appearances, and just last week he made the powerful closing arguments in the Tonica Jenkins murder-conspiracy trial broadcast live on Court TV. This week, however, Phillips is taking on the role of defendant. He is charged with bribery, attempted obstruction of justice and possession of drugs. Authorities say Phillips confessed to taking bribes in order to fix cases. During a search of his home last week, investigators found three grams of cocaine along with scales. He was fired on Friday. He was released Tuesday on $50,000 bond and placed under house arrest. Prosecutors say that, because Phillips held and violated a position of public trust, they will seek a substantial prison term.

Foster Father Sentenced in Toddler's Death
The Akron foster father who attempted to cover up the death of a two-year-old girl has been sentenced to four years in prison. Police say that Elmer Lillard, 36, sent Letia Harrison to the attic as a punishment and then fell asleep. The temperature outside that day rose to 85 degrees, and investigators estimate the attic temperature may have reached 110 degrees. Letia was still alive when Lillard found her. Prosecutors claim that if he had sought help, she could have been saved. He told police that she had drowned in the bathtub when he left her unattended.

Suspect Arrested After Tracks Traced
Maple Heights police were able to follow tracks in the snow to capture a man accused of raping a 14-year-old girl. Authorities say the girl ran to a neighbor's house Tuesday morning, claiming that she had been raped by a man she met on the Internet. The neighbor called police, who followed footsteps in the snow and caught up to Reginald Pierson, 27, a few blocks from the girl's Harrison Avenue home. Pierson was arrested and held overnight as investigators and prosecutors decide whether to charge him with rape.

RTA to Guarantee Rides Home
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority has approved a new program in an effort to attract new riders. The program, set to kick off on March 1, will guarantee riders a ride home no matter what time it is. RTA officials say that riders must register for the program, which will provide a cab ride home if necessary. Clients will be limited to four uses each year. RTA hopes to attract customers who currently do not use the system for fear of becoming stranded downtown after regularly scheduled bus routes end.

Israeli High-Tech Firms Coming to Region
An economic plan launched by the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce is getting results, with an announcement Tuesday that at least five high-tech companies from Israel will find new homes in the area. Chamber President Paul Williams says the names of the firms will be announced within a month.

Westlake Voters Asked to Approve Library Tax Increase
Voters in Westlake will be asked in May to approve a tax increase to support the city's library. Library officials say the five-year tax will replace the current tax, which is set to expire at the end of the year. The tax will help to offset losses in state funding. The new tax, if approved, would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $22 each year.