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Reprieve approved for Ohio bribery trial witness

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The Associated Press Updated 4:21 PM Tuesday, February 7, 2012

CLEVELAND — A judge has approved another prison reprieve for a star witness at a public corruption trial in northeast Ohio.

Federal Judge Sara Lioi (LEE'-oy) in Akron approved the government request Tuesday and postponed the Feb. 29 prison reporting date for former Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County Auditor Frank Russo.

The government wants him available to testify at the trial of former county Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, his longtime friend and Democratic ally. Dimora has pleaded not guilty to bribery and racketeering. His trial began last month.

Prosecutors say Russo's testimony also is needed at other trials, including one beginning in June.

Russo has remained free since his guilty plea to bribery in 2010. He was sentenced to nearly 22 years and hopes to trim his sentence with his cooperation.

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February 07, 2012 09:17 PM EST

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