Matthew Borges
Lobbyist accused of paying $15K to spy on effort to repeal corrupt utility bailout
A lobbyist with ties to the state's top Republicans in 2019 paid $15,000 for inside information about a campaign to repeal $1.3 billion in utility subsidies that were later determined to be corruptly passed, according to an FBI agent's testimony Monday. The agent also said that Secretary of State Frank LaRose wanted to meet with leaders of Akron-based FirstEnergy — the company that funded the vast majority 0f the scheme — while Attorney General Dave Yost became angered by the heavy-handed tactics used by opponents of the repeal.