Judges uphold conviction for Ohio telemarketing millionaire

CINCINNATI (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld a northeast Ohio telemarketing millionaire’s conviction on a witness-tampering charge.

A three-judge panel at the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued its ruling Wednesday on an appeal filed by Benjamin Suarez, head of Suarez Corporation Industries in North Canton.

Authorities accused the 73-year-old Suarez of using family members, employees and others to make illegal donations totaling $100,000 each to the 2012 Republican campaigns of U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci and the failed U.S. Senate bid of Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel. Suarez hoped the politicians would help him with a business-related civil matter in California.

A jury acquitted Suarez last year of conspiracy and violations of federal campaign law. A judge sentenced him to 15 months in prison in November.