Indiana: former casino executive John Keeler, former senator Brent Waltz receive federal prison sentences
Both pleaded guilty to engaging in a scheme to fund a 2016 congressional campaign using casino money.
Former Indiana casino executive John Keeler and former Indiana state senator Brent Waltz were sentenced to prison terms for their participation in a money laundering scheme that involved funneling gambling company funds to aid in Waltz’ unsuccessful 2016 congressional campaign.
US District Judge James Sweeney sentenced Waltz to ten months in federal prison and ordered him to pay a $40,500 fine. The district judge could have sentenced Waltz to a prison term of up to five years per charge.
Keeler, who was a co-owner of Indianapolis-based Centaur Gaming, received a two-month prison sentence and a $55,000 fine.
Sweeney described the scheme as “a plan with some sophistication.”
He commented: “This was clearly calculated from the start to get a leg up, to get that outside support.”
Following a lengthy FBI investigation, Keeler had pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return as part of a scheme that would funnel cash to a political action committee associated with the Marion County Republican Party. His charges included using straw donors to direct illegal corporate contributions through to Waltz, a charge which has been dropped as part of the plea deal.
Keeler entered the guilty plea an hour before his scheduled trial in Indianapolis’ US District Court. Waltz pleaded guilty to other federal charges that included receiving almost $40,000 in illegal contributions during his 2016 election campaign.
According to a report from the Indianapolis Star, Waltz expressed regret for his actions and said his conduct “tarnished his reputation as a public servant.”
Though Waltz received the requested sentence length, federal prosecutors had asked for the same term for 72-year-old Keeler, who was granted a lighter sentence based on his age, lack of criminal history and military service record.
The prosecution released a statement that said the following: “None of this was enough for either defendant. They wanted more, and they chose to commit crimes of opportunity – not economic necessity – to get what they wanted.”
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