Brook Park councilwoman charged with theft cites 'alcohol, drug usage or mental health issues'
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An embattled Brook Park councilwoman charged with felony theft has asked a judge to place her into an alternative sentencing program, citing "alcohol, drug usage or mental health issues," court records say.
Julie McCormick's lawyer, Joseph Patituce, argued in a motion filed Tuesday that the at-large council member should receive intervention in lieu of conviction because she has no criminal history and is not accused of a violent crime.
Patituce also asked Common Pleas Judge Michael Shaughnessy to allow him to file a more detailed motion under seal, citing "sensitive information that should not be available for public view."
Shaughnessy grants McCormick's request, she would be placed into a treatment program. If she completes the program, the charges against her would be dropped.
Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/02/brook_park_councilwoman_charge.html