John P. Raphael, Extortion, Ohio 2015
A notorious Ohio lobbyist, John P. Raphael, 61, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for his extortionate role in a conduit campaign contribution scheme.
According to the plea agreement, Raphael was a consultant and lobbyist based in Columbus from March 2005 to February 2013. During that time, a red light camera enforcement company engaged Raphael to seek and obtain lucrative contracts with the cities of Columbus and Cincinnati.
Raphael convinced the company to make over $70,000 in campaign contributions, which were funneled through Raphael in his own name and in the names of his family members, friends and business associates.
The FBI Cincinnati Division's Columbus Resident Agency investigated the case with the assistance of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
On October 15, 2015, Raphael pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with a violation of the Hobbs Act.
Raphael's sentencing took place on no reported date, but we do know he was sentenced to 15 months in prison. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Michael Marous of the Southern District of Ohio.
Karen L. Finley, the former CEO of the red light camera vendor, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery and honest services wire and mail fraud.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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