Sentenced for his bribery conviction in June 2023, Householder filed his appeal with the Sixth Circuit in February, arguing bias from the presiding judge in the Southern District of Ohio. He has consistently maintained his innocence throughout his federal and state-level criminal proceedings.
Other Key Figures and Legal Representation
Several key figures in the FirstEnergy scandal have been convicted or are facing charges, including former Ohio energy regulator Samuel Randazzo, who died by apparent suicide in April. FirstEnergy admitted its role in the scheme in 2021.
All 10 charges against Householder in the campaign funds case are felonies. Initially brought by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the case was later assigned to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
Householder is represented by Kevin M. Spellacy of Quinlivan & Hughes PA and Thomas E. Shaughnessy of Thomas E. Shaughnessy & Associates. The state is represented by Carol O’Brien and Matthew Meyer of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Counsel for Householder did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and a representative of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office declined to comment.
