Kostyu on tackling public corruption; STRS cited as example

From John Curry, April 10, 2008
Subject: An Ohio "Corruption" bill (SB 219)...Ohio STRS mentioned...when does the clock start ticking for those who offered gratuities?

Tackling corruption

Canton Repository, April 10, 2008
BY PAUL E. KOSTYU
REPOSITORY COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF

COLUMBUS Investigations into the state's pensions systems and the Bureau of Workers Compensation several years ago has led to legislation that expands the reach of prosecutors and the Ohio Ethics Commission to go after public corruption.

Senate Bill 219, which passed the Ohio House unanimously Wednesday, equalizes the time frame that prosecutors and the ethics commission have to charge public and nonpublic officials with corruption. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Kirk Schuring, R-Jackson Township, passed the Senate in December.

The bill now goes to Gov. Ted Strickland. A spokeman said Wednesday that Strickland will sign the bill.

Current law says public officials must be charged with corruption and ethics charges within two years after leaving office. However, those who corrupted the officials had to be charged within two years of the crime being committed.

Typically, that meant an earlier start of the clock.

David Freel, executive director of the commission, said the time difference often prevented the commission from going after those who gave illegal gratuities or things of value to public officials, who themselves were convicted of accepting the gifts. The legislation requires charges for public and nonpublic officials to be filed within two year of a public official leaving office.

The commission initiated an investigation of the State Teachers Retirement System after a series of stories by The Repository in 2003 and 2004 that pointed out problems with the system. Seven pension officials, including a former Canton teacher, were convicted of ethics charges.

"The message is," Schuring said, "that those who violate the public trust cannot avoid scrutiny and ultimately punishment."

Reach Repository Columbus Bureau Chief Paul E. Kostyu at (614) 222-8901 or e-mail:

paul.kostyu@cantonrep.com