In East Cleveland, history of police officer wrongdoing raises questions about the department’s culture, experts say

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In the span of a month, seven current or former East Cleveland police officers tacked their names onto a long-running roster of those from the department who have been charged with committing crimes while being paid to solve them.

The seven, including Chief Scott Gardner, are part of a deepening investigation involving local and federal officials. Gardner has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The others – Willie Warner-Sims, Alfonzo Cole, Tyler Mundson, Brian Stoll, Von Harris and Demarkco Johnson – are expected to appear for hearings in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court in the coming weeks.