Teacher indicted on gambling, money laundering charges

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION — A grand jury recently indicted three people — including a local high school teacher — on felony charges related to gambling, corruption and money laundering. Cuyahoga County court records list various charges for those in the Edmison family, including: • Kristina Edmison, 47, of Sheffield Lake, who is a Vermilion High School teacher, is charged with: — Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony — Conspiracy, a second-degree felony — Money laundering, a third-degree felony — Two counts of conducting illegal bingo, both fourth-degree felonies — Three counts of illegally operating as a distributor, all first-degree misdemeanors • Lee Edmison III, 54, of North Royalton, is charged with: — Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony — Conspiracy, a second-degree felony — Two counts of money laundering, a third-degree felony — 13 counts of violation of casino gaming laws, each a fifth-degree felony — Two counts of conducting illegal bingo, each a fourth-degree felony — Three counts of illegally operating as a distributor, each a first-degree misdemeanor • Lee Edmison Jr., 76, of Hinckley, Ohio, is charged with: — Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony — Conspiracy, a second-degree felony — Two counts of money laundering, a third-degree felony — 13 counts of violation of casino gaming laws, each a fifth-degree felony — Two counts of conducting illegal bingo, each a fourth-degree felony — Three counts of illegally operating as a distributor, each a first-degree misdemeanor Prosecutors said they and multiple businesses listed in the indictments — K Zip Services and Repairs, Modern Music & Games along with LJ Modern Properties — operated illegal slot machines in at least 13 bars across Cuyahoga County. The charges arise from conduct that reportedly started in 2018 and culminated with the execution of search warrants in October and November of 2022. It is unclear why it took prosecutors more than two years from the time of the search warrants to indict the alleged conspirators. The scheme allegedly involved using unlicensed gaming equipment and exploiting charitable bingo laws to conceal illicit profits. Authorities reported the group laundered money through multiple businesses. The Edmisons are accused of running "skill game" slot machines without the required state licensing and distributing unapproved bingo supplies, prosecutors said. The charges span violations of Ohio's gambling and charity laws. Prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of more than $33,000 in cash, real estate in Berea and Columbus, bank accounts and multiple vehicles allegedly tied to the operation. The case is being prosecuted by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office Special Investigations Division, which oversees public corruption and organized crime matters. All three posted $5,000 bonds and retained counsel: Kristina Edmison is represented by Lauren Esarco, Lee Edmison III is represented by George Argie, and Lee Edmison Jr. is represented by Dominic Vitantonio. All three defendants have pre-trial hearings scheduled for 9 a.m. on May 8. Teacher fallout Following the indictment, Vermilion Schools superintendent David Hile confirmed that Kristina Edmison, a longtime high school teacher, was placed on paid suspension, per district policy. Hile told Edmison, in a letter sent to her, that she must turn over all school property. She also can't contact staff or students during the investigation. She's also not allowed to step onto district property or attend related events without first obtaining permission. If convicted of the first-degree felony charge, Kristina Edmison could face up to 11 years in prison in addition to fines and permanent forfeiture of property obtained through the alleged crimes.