While Ohio is embroiled in the biggest public corruption case in state history and the largest open investigation in any statehouse across the nation, there are other scandals that stain Ohio’s history books.
In June 2021, Ohio lawmakers expelled Republican Larry Householder from his legislative seat, nearly a year after he was charged in a federal racketeering case. Householder, who was investigated by federal authorities two decades ago during his first stint as speaker, has pleaded not guilty.
The racketeering case is expected to go to trial in 2022.
More:Selling out in the Statehouse: Understanding the House Bill 6 scandal
But he is far from the first public official to be embroiled in scandal. Here is a rundown of several big cases over the past 50 years.
Payday lending
Ohio’s long history with the payday lending industry includes legislative efforts to both loosen and strengthen regulations. But when a major bill to curb predatory lending practices stalled, FBI agents started to look at why.
The FBI mounted an extensive investigation into whether former Ohio Speaker Cliff Rosenberger broke the law in dealing with payday lending lobbyists.
More:Three years after FBI raid of ex-Ohio House speaker Cliff Rosenberger, investigation remains open
Records subpoenaed in the case indicate authorities are looking at who paid for Rosenberger’s extensive travel and why a payday lending reform bill stalled on his watch.
Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, abruptly resigned from the Ohio House…
