Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder Arrested In Bribery Scheme
TOLEDO, Ohio — Yesterday morning, Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four colleagues were arrested for their involvement in a $60 million bribery scheme. This scheme involved the state’s $1 billion nuclear plant bailout.
Householder funneled energy company funds through “Generation Now”, a dark money group that was created by an associate/friend of his. The “proceeds” were used to support Householder’s run for speaker of the Ohio house, and other legislative candidates.
U.S. Attorney Dave DeVillers described the case as *likely* “the largest bribery, money-laundering scheme ever perpetrated against the people of Ohio.
This felony carries a sentence of up to 20 years.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released the following statement:
“Larry Householder sold out the people of Ohio in exchange for power and dirty money. The 81-page sworn affidavit filed today shows plainly he cannot be trusted to act in the public interest, or trusted with public authority.
He is entitled to a presumption of innocence regarding the criminality of his acts, but he is entitled to no presumption of continuance in office. He should resign immediately. If he refuses, the House should eject him under Article II, section 6 of the Ohio Constitution.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued this statement:
“I am deeply concerned about the allegations of wrongdoing in the criminal complaint issued today by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Every American has the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Because of the nature of these charges, it will be impossible for Speaker Householder to effectively lead the Ohio House of Representatives; therefore, I am calling on Speaker Householder to resign immediately.
This is a sad day for Ohio.”
Ohio Republican Party Chairwoman Jane Timken issued this video statement:
