Jurors hear final statements in Householder bribery trial

By JULIE CARR SMYTH
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Federal prosecutors say they have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and lobbyist Matt Borges engaged in a $60 million bribery scheme. The scheme involved securing Householder’s power, electing his allies, then passing and defending a $1 billion nuclear plant bailout. Householder’s attorney told jurors during closing arguments Tuesday at their corruption trial that the government’s investigation was “woefully incomplete” and biased. Each defendant in U.S. District Court is charged with a single racketeering conspiracy count that carries up to 20 years in prison. They both pleaded not guilty and maintain their innocence.