(C) Ohio Capital Journal
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Former Ohio House Speaker Householder sentenced to 20 years for state’s largest bribery scheme [1]
['Morgan Trau', 'Ian Cross', 'More From Author', '- June']
Date: 2023-06-29
“He acted as the quintessential mob boss, directing the criminal enterprise from the shadows and using his casket carriers to execute the scheme,” the filing states.
The scope of the conspiracy was unprecedented, the filing states, but so was the “damage it left in its wake, both in terms of its potential financial harm to Ohioans and its erosion of public trust.”
Householder requested 12 to 18 month sentence
Householder had filed court documents stating that he believed he only deserved 12 to 18 months in prison.
“Mr. Householder is a broken man,” defense attorneys said. “He has been humiliated and disgraced.”
The attorneys for Householder acknowledge their request may be a “tall order,” however they say that “no defendant should be made a martyr to public passion.”
The good Householder has done for the community outweighs the bad, according to the filing.
“Our purpose here is not to relitigate the facts presented to the jury — that will be a task for the appellate lawyers and the appellate courts — but to present a perspective of Mr. Householder that was not reflected in his portrayal at trial and in the news media,” the document states.
Ultimately, the defense argued that the nature of the offense and Householder’s history and characteristics favor a “below-guidelines sentence.”
The attorneys argued that Householder “did not benefit financially from the offense,” claiming the money that came from his right-hand man who was in charge of running the financial aspect of the scheme was a loan. That “loan” was then used to pay off Householder’s debt and renovations to his Florida home.
The now-convicted felon has already faced punishment, the filing continues, as “his felony conviction bars him from ever holding public office in Ohio… his reputation has likewise been ruined.”
Householder was defiant after conviction
Back in March, the jury deliberated for nine hours before reaching a decision, finding both Householder and Borges guilty on charges including racketeering and conspiracy, charges which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
As he left the courthouse after the verdict was read, Householder maintained his innocence and said he was surprised by the jury’s decision.
“I was surprised by the verdict because I’m not guilty,” Householder said, telling reporters that he would return home to his Perry County farm to plant summer crops and go fishing with his son. “I respect their decision but I don’t agree with it.”
The sentencing memo filed by the FBI acknowledged Householder’s defiance in the face of the guilty verdict and prospect of a decades-long prison sentence.
“At no point in the investigation or trial did the defendant express remorse for his actions, and to the government’s knowledge he has not expressed remorse at any time,” the document says. “In fact, through his sworn testimony, Householder showed his disrespect for the rule of law.”
Borges sentencing Friday
In a separate memorandum filed last week, the FBI had requested that Borges receive a 5 to 8 year sentence for his part in the corruption scheme.
“Borges’ primary role in the enterprise was to deprive Ohioans of the opportunity to overturn what Borges knew was corrupt legislation,” the filing said. “Borges furthered the criminal enterprise by laundering FirstEnergy payments through his own account.”
He then bribed Tyler Fehrman, a former friend turned FBI informant. During the bribe, Borges threatened Fehrman numerous times, saying things like “I’m going to blow your house up.”
“Matt threatened my life, disrupted my existence, and took advantage of our friendship to line his own pockets,” Fehrman told OCJ/WEWS following the sentencing memorandum’s release. “His actions are inexcusable and wrong — regardless of what sentence he is given. Personally, I hope that both he and Larry are given the maximum sentence for their crimes.”
The feds chose the 5-8 year time frame because it reflects the seriousness of the offense, goes over Borges’ checkered past with law enforcement and also sets an example for others.
“Borges is familiar with the criminal justice system,” the FBI said.
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[1] Url:
https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/06/29/former-ohio-house-speaker-householder-sentenced-to-20-years-for-states-largest-bribery-scheme/
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