Cleveland, OH - Things going from bad to worse for embattled Cuyahoga County Sheriff Gerald McFaul.
Amid a firestorm of public scrutiny, the ailing Sheriff announced his April 1st resignation earlier this week.
Now, he has piqued the interest of the FBI. McFaul is accused of a number of things, including hiring family members to helping someone dodge a subpoena.
Only 19 Action News cameras rolling as the feds descended upon the Justice Center late Thursday and seized box after box from the outgoing Sheriff's office.
Read through the entire seven-page search warrant
The warrant - signed by Judge Nancy McDonnell - outlines items that could be evidence in these three crimes - obstructing justice, theft in office and unauthorized use of property.
More than a dozen agents swept into the Sheriff's office just before closing time, they remained there combing through records until nearly 9:30PM.
The inventory sheets show that computer records were taken, along with file folders, notebooks and even a cell phone. The common theme is that many files have to with promotions, transfers and seniority. Other files are titled "Clambake." The obstruction of justice reference is interesting in that it suggests the state suspects a cover up.
McFaul's office released the following statement Friday morning:
On Thursday March 26, 2009 at approximately 4:15 PM Officers from the Attorney Generals Office, B.C.l. & I. executed a search warrant at 1215 West Third Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 (Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office) Specific offices were searched for materials relating to the Sheriff's Annual Clam Bake and personal gifts. Sheriff's Department personnel are and will continue to cooperate fully with state investigators.
Judge McDonnell will select McFaul's interim replacement this afternoon.
Because McFaul cited medical concerns as reason for his departure, the appointed person will serve the office of Sheriff immediately.
That person will hold the office until the Democratic Party Committee can meet within 45 days to choose somebody who will then occupy the office until November of 2010.
