Uncovering more in local mayor’s tax case: I-Team

hio (WJW) — The FOX 8 I-Team did some digging to uncover more about the charges filed against Warrensville Heights Mayor Brad Sellers.

The I-Team began investigating issues with his taxes in 2018. Now he faces criminal charges tied to his taxes.

The mayor, also a former basketball star, has been charged with tampering with records and petty theft.

Now, we've found a court document showing Sellers is cooperating with investigators. The document is signed by Sellers and his lawyer.

The charges relate to a city document with Sellers giving himself tax abatement. In other words, a tax break on his property in the city he governs. That goes back to 2018.

That same year, the I-Team also revealed Sellers had fallen behind on paying his taxes. Then, months later, we revealed it had happened again.

Long before the charges were filed, we asked Sellers about giving himself a tax break. We asked, "Isn't that a conflict of interest?" Sellers replied, "No, that's where you're mistaken, on this point. Let me tell you why. The document comes straight out of the Law Department. If they thought there was an issue, they would not have let me sign."

Sellers has not returned message seeking comment on the charges.