COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder has lodged an appeal against his 20-year prison sentence, following his recent conviction for orchestrating the largest corruption scheme in the state’s history. The 64-year-old Republican has been in county jail since June 29, when a federal judge imposed the maximum penalty for racketeering under federal law. It was anticipated that Householder would appeal the sentence.
Householder’s legal team sought a sentence of 12 to 18 months, arguing that he had been greatly impacted and humiliated by his widely publicized arrest, lengthy trial, and conviction. However, federal prosecutors had sought a sentence of 16 to 20 years. U.S. District Judge Timothy Black, who delivered the sentence, cited Householder’s failure to express remorse as a factor in his decision. Householder had primarily focused on the impact of his imprisonment on his family and friends when pleading for leniency.
Householder was found guilty after a seven-week trial earlier this year. The jury convicted him of masterminding a $60 million bribery scheme, funded secretly by FirstEnergy Corp., an Akron-based utility company. The scheme was designed to consolidate Householder’s power, secure victories for his allies, and pass a $1.3 billion bailout for a nuclear plant. It also aimed to suppress a referendum that aimed to overturn the law through a dirty-tricks campaign. Lobbyist Matt Borges, the former chair of the Ohio Republican Party, was also convicted for participating in the scheme. Borges is also considering an appeal and has until Thursday to file one.
Householder, who served as speaker of the Ohio House at the time of his arrest in 2021, was considered one of the most influential politicians in the state. He possessed sharp political instincts, which some of his colleagues perceived as bordering on bullying and intimidation. He was removed from his leadership position by the Republican-controlled House soon after his indictment. However, he refused to resign and was eventually expelled from the chamber in a historic vote almost a year later.
The investigation into the bribery scheme is ongoing, and it is possible that several former executives from FirstEnergy and the former head of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio may face charges.