November trial date set for Ohio lawmaker in fraud case

CINCINNATI (AP) — A judge set a Nov. 17 trial date for a southwestern Ohio lawmaker charged with fraud and theft for allegedly misleading investors about a company’s financial status and using their money for personal gain.

The new date was set during a hearing today for 61-year-old Republican state Rep. Pete Beck in Cincinnati. Beck has denied the allegations and brushed away calls to resign.

Beck initially faced 16 counts, including theft, securities fraud, making misrepresentations and selling securities in an insolvent company without full disclosure. He later was indicted on more than 50 other counts, including allegations that he lied to securities investigators.

The trial was rescheduled from this month. His attorney indicated that Beck may request a bench trial instead of facing a jury.