Pat Coyne Resigns from City Council

Councilman at large Pat Coyne, who has been linked to the Cuyahoga County corruption probe, resigned Friday from City Council.

Coyne did not offer an explanation in his brief resignation letter. Council President Mike Daymut said he opened a letter from Coyne Friday and found it contained a one-sentence resignation.

Coyne was implicated last year in the ongoing corruption probe in Cuyahoga County when he fit the description of a public official who allegedly accepted bribes from Hinckley developer Dave Terry. 

Terry pleaded guilty to giving four $5,000 bribes to a Strongsville councilman who also worked for the Cuyahoga County Coroner's office. 

The councilman was not named, but the description could refer only to Coyne, who is a Democrat. Coyne subsequently lost his job as human resources director for the coroner.

Coyne, who has not been charged with a crime, has denied wrongdoing but has not commented beyond that.

His attorney did not return phone calls Friday. Coyne could not be reached for comment.

Coyne was last September by former Council President Mike Gallagher after he was implicated in the ongoing probe, saying the allegations put "a cloud over any acts" he undertakes as councilman.

However, Daymut this year appointed Coyne to chair the Recreation and Community Services committee and serve on Building and Utilities and Public Safety and Health.

Council will interview candidates and choose a replacement for Coyne.