Former Ohio GOP Leader Sentenced to 5 Years in State's Largest Bribery Scandal, Appeals Conviction
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Former Ohio GOP leader Matt Borges convicted in state's largest bribery scandal, sentenced to 5 years in prison. His attorney argues conviction should be thrown out due to federal prosecutor abuse and judge errors.
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Borges paid $15,000 to operative for number of signatures collected in ballot effort to block House Bill 6 and its $1.3B nuclear plant bailout.
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Effort tied to scheme involving ex-House Speaker Larry Householder, who got 20 years. Householder helped pass House Bill 6, which FirstEnergy admitted bribing a regulator to defend.
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In appeal, Borges' lawyer argues prosecutors didn't prove conspiracy or harm from signature disclosure. Also says state law used to convict was applied too broadly.
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Borges seeks acquittal or new trial. Prosecutors make counterargument in February. Householder appeal brief also pending.