Former MetroHealth manager indicted in county corruption probe

CLEVELAND -- Another former MetroHealth Medical Center executive has been implicated in the corruption probe of Cuyahoga County officials and agencies.

Former MetroHealth facilities manager Thomas J. Greco Jr., 54, of Strongsville, is charged with six counts of bribery and two counts of conspiracy in an indictment filed today (Nov. 24) in U.S. District Court in Cleveland.

Prosecutors allege Greco was part of a scheme involving previously charged MetroHealth Vice President John J. Carroll and businessman Nilesh R. Patel.

They allege that Carroll and Greco together took $628,000 in bribes.

The hospital is owned by Cuyahoga County.

Greco was arrested Tuesday morning at his Strongsville home. He appeared in federal court with his attorney, Jeffrey Kelleher. Greco pleaded not guilty and was released on $50,000 bond.

If convicted on all counts, Greco faces a maximum of 95 years in prison. 

Federal charges allege Greco took bribes from Patel, vice president of East West Construction, in exchange for giving Patel's firm the hospital's business.

Patel allegedly gave Greco gifts between 2000 and 2008. Those included gift cards to grocery stores, department stores and restaurants, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors say Greco and Carroll were both able to authorize certain contracts and purchases by the hospital without approval or competitive bidding.

The cost of the allegedly illegal gifts was than added to bills paid by the hospital.

If convicted, the indictment states that Greco would be required to forfeit money  from his dealings and/or make restitution.