CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley warned County Executive Chris Ronayne this week to halt efforts to take control of the Sheriff’s Department’s fiscal operations or be sued, escalating a simmering power struggle that could soon land in court.
In a cease-and-desist letter sent Tuesday afternoon, O’Malley said Ronayne’s recent actions to take over the sheriff’s payroll are improper and violate Ohio law and the county charter. The prosecutor has repeatedly argued that the sheriff is an independent officer with sole authority over the administration of his office and its employees.
The letter, sent on behalf of Sheriff Harold Pretel, accused Ronayne of conduct that “illegally usurps the sheriff’s authority over his employees.” O’Malley gave Ronayne until Friday to return payroll functions to the sheriff’s fiscal team or litigation would follow…