CINCINNATI — U.S. Prosecutor Emily Glatfelter shared details about Larry Householder’s alleged involvement in a $60 million bribery with FirstEnergy to pass HB 6 during opening statements on Monday in Householder's trial.
Householder’s attorney, Steve Bradley, shared that while Householder met with FirstEnergy in 2017, he never agreed to pass legislation in exchange for money.
Bradley claimed Householder had been interested in supporting legislation for carbonless renewable energy before he began campaigning for Ohio House Speaker. He argued that Householder worked to pass HB 6 because he felt like it benefited all Ohioans.
Todd Long, Matt Borges' attorney, also claimed Borges was never involved.
Long explained that in 2017, Borges was hired by Perry Local Schools to become a lobbyist. The district is largely funded by First Energy's nuclear power plants, which were on the verge of having to sell or shutter. Long said it was in the school district's interest to save the power plants to help fund the schools.
The day ended with a professor at The Ohio State University taking the stand to explain information about energy policy.
More witnesses for the prosecution are expected to testify Tuesday.