Former Indiana casino executive John Keeler has 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.
Keeler pleaded guilty an hour before his scheduled trial in Indianapolis’ US District Court. His co-defendant, former state Senator Brent Waltz had pleaded guilty earlier in the week to other federal charges that included receiving almost $40,000 in illegal contributions during his 2016 election campaign.
Part of Keeler’s 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 admitted that he had worked with an out-of-state political consultant in order to funnel $25,000 to the Greater Indianapolis Republican Finance Committee, which was having financial difficulties during 2016. Keeler said he had wanted to help the struggling party but believed the state did not allow casino company contributions.
Both Keeler and Waltz had been indicted after the FBI conducted a lengthy investigation of Spectacle Entertainment. The investigation caused the Indiana Gaming Commission to force Spectacle out of its project deals for new casinos in Terre Haute and Gary.
As part of Keeler’s plea bargain, state prosecutors agreed to drop five additional counts against him. Keeler will be required to pay restitution of $14,350 and could face up to three years in prison.
Sentencing has not been scheduled at time, but it is likely that Keeler will not serve out the full three years under the terms of the plea deal.
