2 Ohio businessmen charged in campaign funds probe

CLEVELAND (AP) — A federal indictment alleges a direct-marketing magnate, another executive at his northeast Ohio company and others conspired to skirt campaign finance laws while funneling nearly $200,000 to two congressional campaigns.

An eight-count indictment was unsealed today against 72-year-old Benjamin Suarez of Canton and 61-year-old Michael Giorgio of Cuyahoga Falls. They’re charged with violating campaign finance laws, obstructing justice, conspiracy counts and making false statements. Suarez also is charged with witness tampering.

The FBI questioned employees of Suarez Corporation Industries last year about donations to two Republicans, U.S. Rep. James Renacci and state treasurer Josh Mandel, who was running for the U.S. Senate. Renacci and Mandel each returned at least $100,000 in campaign contributions.