COLUMBUS (AP) — Four Ohio lobbyists and political operatives have pleaded not guilty to charges they conspired as part of what one defendant called an “unholy alliance” aimed at bailing out two aging Ohio nuclear power plants.
Federal prosecutors allege ex-GOP Speaker Larry Householder and four others illegally shepherded $60 million in energy company money through a dark money group for personal and political gains.
An indictment alleges the scheme was orchestrated to ensure a legislative bailout of two aging Ohio nuclear power plants.
A judge allowed Householder to delay his court appearance as he seeks a new attorney, a request prosecutors didn’t oppose.
The other four made their appearances Thursday by video and all pleaded not guilty.