Disgraced former Ohio lawmaker Larry Householder pleaded not guilty to 10 felony state charges related to a corruption scandal in the Ohio Statehouse. These charges include theft, money laundering, and tampering with records. Householder is accused of misusing campaign funds for his criminal defense, among other ethical violations. The state investigation was requested by the Summit County Prosecutor and headed by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission.
Householder is already serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison for bribery in connection with a $60 million scandal involving FirstEnergy Corp and House Bill 6. Despite his federal conviction, he is currently appealing and facing separate state charges. If convicted in the state case, Householder could face additional prison time and be barred from holding public office in Ohio again.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost emphasized the importance of holding Householder accountable, stating that a state conviction could prevent him from seeking office in the future. Legal experts believe that a conviction on state charges, especially theft in office, could permanently disqualify Householder from serving in public office. His next pre-trial appearance is scheduled for June 24, where more details regarding the case are expected to emerge. Prosecutors hope that a state conviction will keep Householder out of the Ohio General Assembly for good. Householder’s legal team has reserved the right to challenge the case’s venue and statute of limitations.
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