A former Indiana legislator, Sean Eberhart, has agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud. Federal prosecutors claim that Eberhart accepted promises of lucrative employment from a gaming company during his time in public office. The offense carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Eberhart, a former Republican state representative, is accused of accepting compensation and employment promises in exchange for favorable action in the General Assembly. The allegations involve the relocation of two casinos, requiring legislative approval. Eberhart is said to have used his position to advocate for the company, including reducing a transfer fee and enacting tax incentives. In exchange, he allegedly accepted a promise of future employment with an annual compensation of at least $350,000. The case involves evidence such as text messages, call records, digital images, covert recordings, and other records related to Eberhart’s actions in the Indiana legislature. The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not immediately comment on whether other individuals, including “Individual A,” mentioned in court documents, are under investigation or will face charges. Eberhart’s attorney declined to comment, and a plea hearing has not been scheduled as of the latest records. Republican Speaker of the House Todd Huston expressed disappointment and frustration, emphasizing the need for a trusted and transparent legislative institution. The gaming company, Spectacle Entertainment, has faced federal investigations previously, with executives being sentenced in 2022 for illegal campaign contributions and ownership issues.
By FCCT Editorial Team
, an independent military force, and allied militias in Sudan raped several dozen women and girls in West Darfur’s capital, El Geneina, and those fleeing to Chad between late April and late June 2023, Human Rights Watch said today. The assailants appear to have targeted people because of their Massalit ethnicity and, in some cases, because they were known activists.){kind=link}