Gasper is the highest-ranking BWC official ensnared in a massive
bribery scandal that played a role in forcing Republicans from the
governor's office and other statewide offices last fall.

Tom Noe, a Republican fund-raiser and coin dealer, was sentenced to 18
years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from an investment in
rare coins Gasper approved.

Then-Gov. Bob Taft pleaded guilty to misdemeanor ethics charges as
part of the case.

Gasper cooperated with investigators after his actions came to light.

Both sides agreed Gasper would serve between 70 and 87 months in
prison in his plea agreement, but Dowd knocked more time off because
of Gasper's extensive cooperation with investigators.

Gasper was sentenced to 64 months in prison.


From The Cleveland Plain Dealer, 5/9/07:
http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2007/05/exworkers_comp_official_senten.html

Ex-workers' comp official sentenced for bribery

by Mike Tobin

The former top financial officer at the Ohio Bureau of Worker's
Compensation was sentenced to more than five years in prison
Wednesday, but not before blasting an agency where he said investments
were sometimes dictated by politics.

_________________________________________________

Another day another Republican scandal.

Harry