The usual upbeat and light hearted former Trumbull County Commissioner Jim Tsagaris normally has alot to say when talking to reporters, but he was short on words Friday afternoon as he left Akron's Federal Courthouse, after pleading guilty to two felony charges of mail fraud.
"Fine, everything is just great," said Tsagaris, who also says he feels relieved to have entered the guilty pleas.
Tsagaris, who turned 75 years old Friday, is accused of taking a $36,000 loan from a local businessman and concealing it from the citizens of Trumbull County. Federal officials say there was no payment schedule associated with the loan and no collateral was offered.
Neither federal prosecutors nor Tsagaris would name the businessman who gave him the loan.
The former commissioner, who chose not to seek re-election following his second term, is also accused of failing to report the loan on financial disclosure statements and for continuing to support the businessman's proposals to do business with the county. Under federal guidelines Tsagaris could receive 18 to 24 months in prison, but his attorney is hoping for a different outcome.
"In the final analysis, we hope the sentencing guideline table gets down to the area where he can get probation," said Atty. Michael Bowler, who represents Tsagaris.
Tsagaris, who turned over his passport to federal authorities following the court hearing, remains free on bond until his August 18 sentencing date.
