07/21/2020

Ohio House Speaker Faces Racketeering Charge Along with Aide, Lobbyists

The allegations are tied to a nuclear bailout

Federal prosecutors charged Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Larry Householder with conspiracy to commit racketeering on Tuesday in connection to a nuclear bailout bill Householder shepherded through the state legislature last year shortly after he ascended to his leadership position.

Householder faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine, court officials said Tuesday. Also facing identical charges are former Ohio Republican Party Chair-turned-lobbyist Matt Borges, prominent lobbyist Neil Clark, FirstEnergy Solutions lobbyist Juan Cespedes and Householder aide Jeff Longstreth.

Criminal complaints against the defendants were unsealed on Tuesday, but they were redacted, indicating likely that prosecutors are hoping to protect witnesses or other sensitive information. The hearing, which a reporter observed through a telephone conference, is ongoing.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Cincinnati Enquirer.