CLEVELAND — The FBI and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations conducted a search of the offices of Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish, sources confirmed. They left Thursday afternoon with five boxes and two hard drives, one of which was Budish's personal hard drive.
County spokesperson Mary Louise Madigan confirmed that BCI and law enforcement agencies were at Cuyahoga County offices on East 9th St. She said they are cooperating with a search warrant.
At an impromptu news conference Thursday afternoon, Madigan said that agents entered the offices at about 11:45 a.m. Thursday, and finished their search at about 3:45 p.m. She said they left with five boxes and two hard drives. One of the hard drives was Budish's personal hard drive, News 5 investigators learned.
Budish issued the following statement Thursday following the raid:
"Today federal and state authorities raided my office. This is part of the ongoing investigation into the County Administration.
"First, I want to make it clear that I and my administration have been completely forthcoming and transparent throughout this process.
"We have been fully cooperative and readily supplied all information and document requested.
"I want to state very clearly that I have done nothing wrong.
"This latest development is without justification, I can only say that it is what looks like a political move. We have taken this investigation very seriously. Unfortunately, the actions today have turned it into a political circus.
"I am in this office to improve lives of people across this county. That is what I have done every day since I was elected and that is what I will continue to do. I made a promise to the people of this county and I will keep it. I will not let them down."
The Ohio BCI said they do not comment on ongoing investigations. The FBI confirmed they were present at the office.
The 5 on Your Side Investigators have confirmed this was part of an ongoing probe by county prosecutor Michael O’Malley. It was recently turned over to the attorney general due to a possible conflict of interest.
News 5 is working to learn more.
