Ex-Cincinnati councilwoman indicted on wire fraud charges

CINCINNATI (AP) — A former Cincinnati city councilwoman was indicted on multiple charges including wire fraud, bribery and attempted extortion charges. after she allegedly attempted to trade votes for money, according to court documents.

A grand jury in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati announced the indictment Wednesday against Tamaya Dennard.

She allegedly attempted to trade votes for money between August and December 2019, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. Prosecutors say Dennard asked an attorney for between $10,000 and $15,000 for personal expenses.

In November, she sent a text message to the attorney saying, "I could really use your help. It's kind of urgent to get it today. Happy to help you. But need yours too," according to the indictment.

Dennard was arrested by FBI agents Feb. 25 and released the same day. She resigned from the council on March 2.

Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld filled Dennard's seat on the nine-member council with publisher Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney.

Dennard faces a maximum sentence of 20 years on each wire fraud charge and 10 years on each bribery and attempted extortion charge.