Charges dismissed in teacher's gambling case

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION — A Cleveland-area court dismissed all charges against a woman — who's also a local school teacher and coach — originally accused of offenses related to gambling, corruption and money laundering. Because of this, it's allowed for her return to the classroom at Vermilion High School. Earlier this year, Kristina Edmison, 47, of Sheffield Lake, faced an indictment in a wide-ranging case that also named several co-defendants and businesses. The indictment carried serious allegations — including corrupt activity, conspiracy, money laundering and operating illegal bingo games — tied to events dating back to 2018, according to court records. After more than a year of pretrial hearings and legal motions, the case was set for trial in August. But when the trial began, prosecutors were unprepared to move forward, citing unavailable witnesses. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge John O'Donnell dismissed the case on Aug. 27. With the dismissal, Edmison doesn't face any charges. She was originally 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 Because of the dropped charges, Edmison — who was on leave during this period, stretching back to springtime — has returned to the district, according to administrators, as a high school teacher. She's also a well-respected track coach. Administrators and community members noted she had a positive impact on students and youth over the years. Known for her dedication and professionalism, Edmison is regarded by many as an important part of the community, school administrators said. Others arrested Kristina Edmison was indicted on charges in March along with two others: Lee Edmison III, 54, of North Royalton, and Lee Edmison Jr., 76, of Hinckley, Ohio. The cases for both men remain open. Lee, 54, 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, 76, 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 arose 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 have been 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 did seek 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.