Joe Jones the Subject of Cleveland City Council Misconduct Investigation

Ward 1 Councilman Joe Jones Credit: Cleveland City Council

Ward 1 Councilman Joe Jones was the subject of an misconduct investigation by Cleveland City Council, several sources familiar with the matter told Scene.

The allegations stem from “innapproriate” behavior by Jones, the sources said.

Reports of the investigation were first brought to public attention last week by the Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com. Council President Blaine Griffin, who called the situation a “personnel matter” and refused to disclose the identity of the accused, confirmed a law firm was hired to look into the matter. That law firm made recommendations both to council as a whole and to the councilmember in question, according to Griffin.

“We are in the process of making dramatic cultural changes to make sure we hold everyone accountable,” Griffin told the paper while noting there were multiple accusers.

Griffin on Monday declined through a spokesperson to comment. A call and email to Jones’ office were not returned in time for publication.

Scene made a public records request for the report in question on Monday, but as the PD reported last Friday, council has thus far said it would not release the report nor the contents of the initial allegations.