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William Curlis Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Steals $995,231 from Campaign Funds
Columbus, Ohio – William Curlis, a 76-year-old Columbus man who served as a campaign treasurer for over 100 candidates since the 1980s, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of wire fraud. The crime, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, carries a hefty price tag of $995,231 in stolen campaign funds.
According to federal court documents, Curlis defrauded candidates of approximately $995,231 of campaign funds from 2008 until June 2023. The scheme was uncovered by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes agents and officers from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Columbus Division of Police, and Ohio Auditor’s Office.
The investigation revealed that Curlis wrote checks from the bank accounts of certain candidates and one PAC to himself for personal use. He also transferred funds between campaign accounts without candidates’ knowledge to conceal the deficit he created.
Curlis’ scheme was brazen, with him being the primary signatory on at least 111 bank accounts, and the only signatory on 108 accounts. He wrote at least 179 checks to himself from campaign accounts belonging to 18 different candidates and one PAC.
As part of his plea, Curlis will pay $995,231 in restitution. His guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, FBI Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Curlis’ scheme was uncovered after he sold his home in 2016 to cover the cost of campaign expenses, including campaign media costs and account balances, to prevent the discovery of his theft.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King accepted Curlis’ guilty plea. Deputy Criminal Chief Jessica W. Knight is representing the United States in this case.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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