TOLEDO, Ohio — Two Toledo City Council seats were vacant effective Dec. 16 after former council members Tyrone Riley and Yvonne Harper pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges, according to the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
John Hobbs III and Vanice Williams were appointed by a Lucas County Judge to replace Riley and Harper's District 1 and District 4 seats in September 2020 after the two were arrested and suspended their positions that summer. Both pleaded guilty to federal charges last month and formally resigned their positions.
A letter dated Dec. 28 from Chief Counsel Bridget C. Coontz spelled out her interpretation, which is not a legal opinion.
"Given that a person cannot be suspended from an office he or she no longer holds, it follows that the suspension must end when the public official loses title to the office," Coontz said. "And when the suspension ends, so too does the term of the interim replacement — because the appointment is only 'for the duration of the suspension.'"
She cited Ohio Revised Code Section 3.16 in her explanation, which is found below.
Riley and Harper were indicted in July 2020 on counts of conspiracy and bribery after investigators said they took bribes in exchange for votes. The city of Toledo previously asked the AG's office for a legal opinion on how the guilty pleas affected Hobbs and Williams' terms.
Councilman Nick Komives previously told WTOL 11 their appointments would expire as soon as Harper and Riley's cases reached a verdict or they entered a plea.
Williams and Hobbs could be re-appointed to city council at any time. The city could also choose to take applications for either seat.
The Lucas County Democratic Party announced it is accepting applications for endorsements for District 1 and District 4 city council vacancies through Jan. 4. A link to apply can be found here.
The city announced last week it will sue Harper and Riley for salary they earned during their suspensions.
