Former East Cleveland officer Latasha Moore pleads not guilty to falsifying records; pretrial set March 3
Case centers on allegations spanning 2024 to 2025
A former East Cleveland police officer appeared in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, after being charged in a case that prosecutors say involves falsified official records and alleged misconduct in multiple incidents over roughly 20 months.
The defendant, Latasha Moore, 38, entered not-guilty pleas and was released after posting a $5,000 bond. A pretrial conference is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
Charges filed in Common Pleas Court
Moore faces a mix of felony and misdemeanor counts. The felony charges include six counts of tampering with records (third-degree felonies), and single counts of telecommunications fraud, unauthorized use of computer/telecommunications property, and possessing criminal tools (fifth-degree felonies). Misdemeanor counts include workers’ compensation fraud, two counts of interfering with civil rights, assault, and two counts of dereliction of duty.
- Felonies alleged: tampering with records (6), telecommunications fraud (1), unauthorized computer/telecommunications use (1), possessing criminal tools (1)
- Misdemeanors alleged: workers’ compensation fraud (1), interfering with civil rights (2), assault (1), dereliction of duty (2)
Prosecutors outline three episodes
Prosecutors tie the charges to three separate incidents dated Jan. 7, 2024; Feb. 15, 2025; and Sept. 18, 2025.
In the first incident, prosecutors allege Moore falsely reported that a 23-year-old woman ran over Moore’s feet and struck her lower legs with a vehicle door as the woman fled a traffic stop. Prosecutors say Moore then filed multiple documents repeating those claims, including police and court documents, hospital records, and workers’ compensation materials. Prosecutors also say body-camera video contradicted Moore’s account.
The second episode involves an allegation that Moore accessed police computer systems and investigatory cameras outside the scope of her duties for personal or non-law-enforcement purposes, including running a license plate to locate someone with whom she had a personal relationship.
In the third incident, prosecutors allege Moore responded to a call regarding an unwanted guest near East 133rd Street and Woodworth Avenue and falsely claimed that a 20-year-old woman spat on her during an arrest. Prosecutors further allege that after the woman was handcuffed behind her back and placed in a police vehicle, Moore assaulted her and then filed false reports and court documents. Prosecutors say Moore’s body camera was not activated and witness statements conflicted with Moore’s claims.
City officials respond as court process moves forward
City leadership and the police department’s command staff publicly addressed the case, describing it as serious while emphasizing that the allegations involve one officer rather than the wider workforce. The court case is expected to proceed through pretrial scheduling and motions before any trial date is set or resolved through a plea agreement.
Moore’s not-guilty plea means prosecutors must prove each count beyond a reasonable doubt, and the factual allegations will be tested through evidence and courtroom procedure.
The case remains pending in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.