Ex-Ohio speaker gets 20-year prison term for racketeering.

Former Ohio House Speaker Sentenced to 20 Years for Racketeering

Ohio’s former speaker of the House, Larry Householder, has been handed a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction for racketeering. This shocking case involves a web of corruption, bribes, and abuse of power.

Householder, 64, managed to receive a staggering $61 million in bribes through a loophole in transparency laws involving 501(c)(4) entities. The bribes were funneled to him by utility company FirstEnergy, in exchange for his assistance in passing legislation that included a massive $1.3 billion taxpayer-funded bailout for the company’s two nuclear plants in Ohio.

The illicit funds were used to pay off Householder’s credit card balances, cover repairs to his luxurious Florida home, and even settle a business lawsuit. It’s a shocking display of greed and disregard for the public’s trust.

“While we hope this sentence clearly demonstrates that corruption does not pay, the FBI will continue to investigate and pursue those who abuse their positions and take advantage of the public,” stated J. William Rivers, FBI Cincinnati special agent in charge.

The 20-year sentence is the maximum penalty sought by the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, reflecting the severity of Householder’s crimes. In a further blow to FirstEnergy, the company has agreed to a deferred prosecution settlement and will pay a hefty $230 million penalty for its involvement in bribing public officials.

Ohio lawmakers wasted no time in removing Householder from his post on the same day he was indicted by a grand jury in 2020. This swift action demonstrates a commitment to holding corrupt individuals accountable.

Householder’s illicit activities spanned from 2017 to 2020, and he was finally convicted in March after a grueling six-week trial. This case serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law, and that justice will prevail.

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