Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, currently serving a 20-year sentence for racketeering, faced a new set of indictments on Monday. The 64-year-old was charged with 10 new felony counts, including one that could permanently bar him from holding public office in the state.
The latest charges stem from a $60 million bribery scheme orchestrated by Householder in exchange for the passage of a $1 billion bailout of two nuclear plants owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. The scandal, described as the largest corruption case in Ohio's history, has ensnared several high-profile individuals, including fired FirstEnergy executives and Ohio's former top utility regulator.
The state indictment alleges that Householder misused campaign funds for his criminal defense, failed to disclose financial relationships, and engaged in telecommunications fraud and money laundering. The charges also include tampering with records and theft in office, which could prevent him from working for the government in the future.
Householder, who served two terms as speaker and held county office, has been a central figure in the scandal that involved funneling money through a dark money group to influence elections and secure legislative support for the energy bill. Several individuals connected to the scheme have been indicted, with some pleading guilty and cooperating with authorities.
The ongoing investigation, led by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, has revealed a web of corruption and illicit activities that have tarnished the reputation of Ohio's political landscape. The indictments serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of abusing public office for personal gain and the importance of upholding ethical standards in government.
