Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder (R), who was convicted last year for spearheading a corruption scheme, is facing new indictments.
A County grand jury indicted the householder on Monday, adding 10 new felony counts to their charges.
The updated counts comprise accusations of ethics violations, misappropriation of campaign funds, and embezzlement while in office. These charges could result in a permanent ban on holding elected positions in the state of Ohio.
“This case aims to hold Mr. Householder responsible for his actions in accordance with state law, and I anticipate that the outcome will permanently disqualify him from holding public office in Ohio,” stated Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. “State crimes carry state penalties, and a conviction will guarantee that there will be no further comebacks from the ‘Comeback Kid’.”
The charges against Householder, 64, include theft in office, telecommunications fraud, aggravated theft, tampering with records, and money laundering.
According to the Associated Press, Steven Bradley, Householder’s lawyer, mentioned on Monday that he has yet to speak with Householder. However, he expressed his intention to do so in the near future in order to determine the best course of action.
In June of last year, Householder received a 20-year prison sentence for his involvement in a $61 million corruption scheme. FirstEnergy, a utility company based in Akron, had attempted to push through legislation that would benefit the company, including a $1.3 billion bailout of two nuclear plants in Ohio, funded by taxpayers.
FirstEnergy faced the consequences of its involvement in the bribery case, resulting in a substantial $230 million fine. Additionally, the company took action by terminating some of its executives. Notably, former Ohio GOP Chairman Matt Borges was also found guilty on racketeering charges, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
Householder had been the speaker for two different terms.
