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Contractors charged in Ohio corruption probe

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By tjsohclepacerflsfonsml, The Associated Press Updated 6:11 PM Friday, November 20, 2009

CLEVELAND — Two stone contractors have been charged in Cleveland with bribing high-ranking elected officials.

Federal prosecutors say John Valentin provided a Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County official with $3,250 worth of free specialty granite work at his home. In return, Valentin's friend got help obtaining a visa.

Separately, Dinesh Bafna was charged with bribing a second official by providing $5,839 worth of free stone materials. In return, he allegedly received a lower property tax valuation.

The officials weren't identified in Friday's court filings.

Subodh Chandra, an attorney for Bafna, said his client is cooperating with authorities. A message seeking comment was left with an attorney for Valentin.

Attorneys for the defendants didn't immediately return calls seeking comment.

More than one dozen people, including county government employees and contractors, have been charged in the wide-ranging FBI investigation.

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November 20, 2009 11:09 PM EST

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