CLEVELAND (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that
two prominent Republicans could be called to testify at the trial of an
Ohio businessman accused of making illegal campaign contributions.
Sources
close to the case tell the AP that U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci (reh-NAY’-see)
and Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel (man-DEHL’) received subpoenas from
defense attorneys. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because
of the sensitive nature of the information.
The trial began Monday
for telemarketing executive Ben Suarez in Cleveland. He is accused of
using employees at North Canton-based Suarez Corporation Industries and
other sources in 2011 to contribute about $100,000 each to the
politicians. Suarez is accused of then repaying the donors, a violation
of federal law.
Suarez’s attorney says his client is innocent.
The subpoenas were first reported by The Columbus Dispatch.
The politicians aren’t accused of wrongdoing and returned the donations.
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