CINCINNATI, Ohio — Larry Householder's bribery and racketeering trial resumed Tuesday after a juror tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Additionally, a juror was dismissed after refusing to wear a mask. 

What You Need To Know

  • Tuesday was the first day back of the Larry Householder trial since last week

  • The trial was on hold because a juror tested positive for COVID-19

  • FBI special agent Blane Wetzel was the witness on the stand sharing evidence from the case

  • He uncovered emails, texts and phone calls and shared them with jurors

Prosecutors picked up their case where they left off and revealed more evidence against the former Ohio House Speaker.

FBI Special Agent Blane Wetzel was back on the stand. Wetzel shared evidence with jurors regarding emails, texts and phone records. One email included a request for $250,000 into Generation Now from First Energy. 

Generation Now is the dark money group believed to have been set up for this very purpose. In the email, Householder’s staff wanted the first payment sent as soon as possible and a total of $1 million by the end of 2017. First Energy fulfilled that request. 

Earlier in the day, Householder's lawyer accused Judge Timothy Black of showing animosity toward them. Judge Black denied any animosity and Householder refused to comment.