Democrats Send Letter to US Attorney, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Requesting Criminal Investigation Into Alleged Extortion of Employees, Vendors, and Other Potentially Illegal Acts
COLUMBUS, OHIO – In response to an expose by The New Republic magazine into Murray Energy’s political fundraising activities and possible coercion of employees and vendors to give to Republican candidates, today Ohio Democrats formally requested that the US Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven Dettelbach, launch a criminal investigation into potential violations of Title 18 of US criminal code.
Ohio Democratic Chairman Chris Redfern noted, “thanks to this report, now we know why coal workers and miners have lent themselves to the rallies, ads, and political contributions. They’ve been afraid.”
Ohio Democrats identified more than $1.4 million received by Ohio state and federal non-presidential candidates for public office. The overwhelming majority of these contributions have gone to Republicans such as Josh Mandel who received more than $60,000, and Mitt Romney, who received more than $120,000.
All Ohio statewide office holdershave received Murray Energy contributions, and more than $100,000 has been spread between Representatives Bill Johnson, Jim Renacci, and Governor Kasich.
A full copy of the letter to the US Attorney, with attachments, is available for download.
A copy of identified Murray Energy political contributions is available as an excel download here.
Because of significant state contributions, Democrats also forwarded a copy of their request for a criminal investigation on to acting Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty. Democrats also alerted the Federal Elections Commissionwhich is already investigating Murray Energy for other possible violations.
The Murray Energy Corporation is headquartered in Pepper Pike in Northeast Ohio.
###