In a landmark decision, the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld the racketeering convictions of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and ex-lobbyist Matt Borges. The duo was implicated in a $60 million bribery scheme, the largest in Ohio's history, involving FirstEnergy Corp. Householder orchestrated a plan to funnel funds to elect allies and pass House Bill 6, a $1 billion bailout for nuclear plants. Borges was convicted of paying $15,000 for insider information to thwart a repeal effort of the legislation. Both men appealed their 2023 convictions, citing judicial bias and misinterpretation of bribery laws, but the court unanimously rejected their claims.

This case underscores the intricate ties between politics and corporate interests, highlighting the importance of judicial oversight in maintaining governmental integrity.