In The News 3 July 2014

Mysterious political letter under investigation

By
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The Highland County Press

In February of this year, prior to the Republican primary election for Ohio's 91st House District, Hillsboro candidate Barb Cole received what appear to be a letter of endorsement from State Rep. Jim Butler, an Oakwood Republican.

Now, that letter – dated Feb. 19, 2014 on Rep. Butler's stationery – is part of an ongoing criminal investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

"A situation involving the two men vying to become the next Ohio House speaker has led to a criminal investigation that could produce one or more felony charges against a legislative aide," The Columbus Dispatch reports this week.

“I did not write that letter,” Rep. Butler told The Dispatch. “I was alerted to some potential criminal activity, and I alerted the proper law-enforcement agencies. It is an ongoing investigation, so that is all the comment I can give you.”

Cole lost her primary campaign to incumbent Rep. Cliff Rosenberger, who is the front-runner to become Ohio's next House speaker. Butler also had been a contender for the speaker's position.

The Highway Patrol has been investigating and the case is now with the office of Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien.

“The investigation has led to the submission of a report for charges, and we’re waiting to get a grand jury hearing,” Highway Patrol Capt. Chad McGinty told The Dispatch.

For more information, go to: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/07/03/was-letter-forged-to-smear-candidate-for-ohio-house-speaker.html

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