Ex-Ohio deputy treasurer gets 15 years in fraud scheme

COLUMBUS (AP) — A former deputy treasurer was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for his role as lead conspirator in a kickback scheme at the state treasurer’s office.

Amer Ahmad pleaded guilty last year in federal court to bribery and conspiracy charges, though he fled to Pakistan to avoid punishment.

Co-defendant Joseph Chiavaroli was also sentenced today to an 18-month prison term. Chiavaroli, a mortgage broker from Chicago, pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Ahmad was arrested in Pakistan in April holding a forged Mexican passport, a fraudulent Pakistani birth certificate, a false Pakistani visa and $175,000, authorities said. He remains jailed there on immigration violations and was sentenced in absentia.

Ahmad’s attorney in Ohio, Karl Schneider, said he had sought a 10-year sentence for his client. He said Ahmad would begin serving his time if or when he returns to the United States. “It’s a sad situation all-around,” he said.