Tragic Death of Dawn Pasela: A Whistleblower Silenced

In the quiet town of Parma, Ohio, a promising young woman's life was cut short under tragic circumstances. Dawn Pasela, known for her intelligence, tenacity, and drive to fight injustice, was found lifeless mere days before she was set to testify in a critical court case. Her untimely death has cast a sobering light on the murky interplay of power, fear, and justice.

From Aspiring Graduate to Office Manager

Dawn, a 26-year-old top graduate from Cleveland State and Cuyahoga County Community College, was not just another face in the crowd. Her commitment to justice saw her actively participating in the Criminal Justice Club, a testament to her passion for the field. Dawn's potential was further recognized when she was appointed as an office manager for prosecutors Dan Kasaris and Mark Bennett on a Mortgage Fraud Task Force.

A Turn Towards the Dark Side of Justice

However, her role took a sinister turn when she was coerced into gathering confidential defense information secretly. The prosecutors leveraged her position, threatening her job security should she refuse. As Dawn delved deeper into the case, she discovered instances of misconduct that threatened to taint the sanctity of the criminal justice system. Forged signatures, missing documents, and other irregularities marred the case against real estate broker Anthony Viola, prosecuted by Kasaris and Bennett.

Unveiling the Misconduct

Recognizing the magnitude of the situation, Dawn made the brave decision to inform Viola of the ongoing misconduct. Leaving her job in 2011, she was subsequently subpoenaed for Viola's state trial in 2012. The weeks leading to her court date were filled with dread, as she received threats of imprisonment from the prosecutors. Her fear was palpable, compelling her to take shelter with her parents.

As the court date neared, Dawn's mental health took a significant hit. The fear of incarceration became so overwhelming that she missed her court date, leading to a bench warrant for her arrest. The situation culminated in her tragic death, leaving a void in the hearts of her community, particularly those who had benefited from her volunteer work and her unwavering commitment to justice.