Ohio House Speaker faces bribery charges, is removed from position

Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder (R) was removed from his leadership position Thursday after he was indicted on federal bribery charges.

Householder, a political aide and three lobbyists were arrested last week in what U.S. Attorney David DeVillers described as “likely the largest bribery, money-laundering scheme ever perpetrated against the people in the state of Ohio.”

The four men on Thursday were formally accused of receiving $60 million from FirstEnergy to pass a $1.3 billion bailout of two nuclear power plants. If convicted, each could face up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine, in addition to forfeiting the $60 million. 

According to the complaint, more than $100,000 of the bribe was used to pay off Householder’s second home in Florida and $97,000 was directed to his campaign.

“Dark money is a breeding ground for corruption. This investigation continues,” DeVillers said in a statement.

On Thursday morning, the Ohio House of Representatives voted unanimously to remove Householder as Speaker, according to Cleveland.com.

Republicans in the legislature reportedly plan to hold a private vote to select Householder’s replacement, and will choose  between two competing representatives. A unanimous public vote to make it official is expected later Thursday.