Householder Trial Opening Statements, Testimony on Monday

CINCINNATI, Ohio (News Talk 1480 WHBC and ONN) – A 12-member jury and four alternates will begin hearing testimony today in the $60 million bribery scheme that’s been called the biggest political corruption case in Ohio’s history.

The jury was selected Friday at the Cincinnati federal courthouse.

Former House Speaker Larry Householder and former state GOP Party Chair Matt Borges face racketeering and other charges.

Prosecutors say the two and three others accepted bribes from First Energy that helped pass the Nuclear Bailout Bill, aimed at saving two Ohio nuclear power plants formerly owned by a First Energy subsidiary.

Both men say they are innocent.

As for the others, two have pleaded guilty and the third took his own life.

The bill ultimately was repealed.