🌱 Officers Guilty Of Bribery + Former Firefighter Guilty In Homicide

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Cleveland these days.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, rain ending; mild. High: 57 Low: 35.

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Here are the top three stories in Cleveland today:

1. Two former East Cleveland police officers have pleaded guilty to a felony count of bribery. Von Harris, 53, and Demarcko Johnson, 29, were indicted in September 2022 for selling fake police reports for cash — sometimes while in uniform. After investigating, the FBI found the pair of former officers used the money for personal use, and a person who purchased the fake reports planned to file a $10,000 insurance claim. The officers will be sentenced on Feb. 21 at 9:30 a.m. (WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland)
2. Kevin McCarthy, a former Cleveland firefighter, admitted to shooting and killing his roommate in April on Wednesday. The Brecksville man originally pleaded not guilty to the count of reckless homicide with a firearm in the death of Christian Kilburg, 25. McCarthy changed his plea to guilty on Wednesday, according to court records. The former firefighter told dispatchers the shooting was an accident. (WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland)
3. Martin Muniz, 41, has a $5 million bond as of Tuesday. The man pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and felony assault charges in the deaths of his father, sister, nephew, and another man, and the critical wounding of an 8-year-old in Cleveland last week. Prosecutors say Muniz is a flight risk. (Fox News)

Today in Cleveland:

• Disney Animation: Immersive Experience Cleveland At Lighthouse Immersive (Times Vary)
• Kids Cafe At Cuyahoga County Public Library – Brook Park Branch (3:30 PM)
• Kristine Jackson At House Of Blue Cleveland (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Cleveland area at the link. (Cleveland Patch)
• Do you have a big sweet tooth? We've got three bakeries in the Cleveland area for you to check out at the link! (NewsBreak Original)
• The Browns have hired Jim Schwartz as their defensive coordinator. (Cleveland Browns via Instagram)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.