Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder received the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for his involvement in a massive corruption scandal, marking a significant moment in Ohio's history. On June 29, 2023, U.S. District Judge Timothy Black handed down the sentence, bringing an end to a case that has shaken the state's political landscape.
As the sentence was delivered, the 64-year-old Republican showed little visible reaction, though he appeared slightly disoriented as marshals handcuffed him. His wife, Taundra, was present in the courtroom and left with his Perry County Ducks Unlimited hat.
Prior to sentencing, Householder pleaded for leniency, emphasizing the impact a lengthy prison term would have on his family – his wife of four decades, children, and grandchildren. He portrayed himself as a dedicated family man and public servant, claiming he was not driven by a thirst for power. He highlighted his time away from the Ohio House between speakerships and the efforts he and his wife made to improve the lives of others.
Judge Black, however, countered Householder's narrative with evidence presented during the trial, including recorded statements where Householder used aggressive and threatening language. The judge characterized Householder as a power-hungry bully who orchestrated a scheme that undermined democracy and betrayed the trust of Ohio voters. He stressed the responsibility Householder held towards the people who supported and voted for him, emphasizing the breach of trust his actions represented.
Householder and lobbyist Matt Borges, a former Ohio Republican Party chair, were both found guilty of racketeering in March following a six-week trial. Borges's sentencing is scheduled for the following day.
The trial revealed a $60 million bribery scheme involving FirstEnergy Corp., an Akron-based energy company. The scheme aimed to secure Householder's position, elect his allies, and pass legislation benefiting FirstEnergy, including a $1 billion bailout for two nuclear power plants. The plan also involved efforts to suppress a ballot initiative seeking to overturn the legislation.
Kenneth Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, spoke to reporters after the sentencing, expressing satisfaction with the judge's decision. He emphasized the need for Householder to remember the Ohioans he had betrayed and the importance of accountability. Rachel Belz, CEO of Ohio Citizen Action, a government watchdog group, expressed hope that the sentence would help restore public trust in government.
Before his indictment, Householder was a prominent figure in Ohio politics, having served twice as House Speaker. Following his arrest in 2020, he was removed from his leadership role but refused to resign, claiming innocence. He was eventually expelled from the House in 2021, a historic event in Ohio's political history.
Five individuals and a dark money group have been charged in connection with the scheme, and the federal investigation is ongoing. Two individuals who pleaded guilty and cooperated with the prosecution testified about the bribery scheme during the trial. Another individual involved in the case died by suicide before facing trial.
The trial revealed how those involved in the conspiracy benefited personally from the scheme, using funds from FirstEnergy for personal expenses, legal fees, and campaign costs.
