CLEVELAND, Ohio — Following much uncertainty and conflicting messages, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley formally withdrew his legal threats Friday, clearing the way for the county to move forward with a new jail and secure financing.
“My threat of litigation relating to costs incurred after April 27, 2026 for the New Jail is removed,” O’Malley wrote in a letter to the county late Friday. “In my opinion the New Jail may proceed, and the related financings and refinancings may issue for any costs incurred after the approval of the Four-Person Committee on April 27, 2026.”
His approval followed pressure from County Executive Chris Ronayne and Council President Dale Miller, who sent a letter Thursday formally asking O’Malley to certify there is no longer any legal barrier to the project. That declaration was required before the county may issue bonds for the project…