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.