April trial set for lawmaker charged with fraud

12/18/2013

CINCINNATI — A judge has set a trial date for a southwest 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 trial for Republican state Rep. Pete Beck of Mason is now set to begin April 7 in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court in Cincinnati. Beck pleaded not guilty in July to 16 felony counts. The 61-year-old certified public accountant and his attorney declined to comment after court.

Beck has denied the allegations and brushed away calls that he resign.

Beck is to be tried with former business partner and co-defendant John Fussner. Fifty-six-year-old Fussner, of Mason, has also pleaded not guilty to fraud and theft charges.