Governor Commutes Sentence for 'Coingate' Convict

Tuesday, April 21, 2020 | 0

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine commuted the sentence of a man sentenced for stealing more than $13 million from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, according to a report by CBS affiliate WBNS.

Tom Noe, 65, was convicted in 2006 of skimming money from the BWC’s $50 million investment in rare coins and collectibles that he managed. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison in a scandal dubbed “Coingate.”

Noe, 65, has requested clemency several times. But he was finally sprung because his age puts him at increased risk of suffering adverse consequences if he contracts COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

DeWine reportedly said that commuting the sentence allows Noe to start paying the $13.7 million restitution ordered in 2006.

"We're never going to get restitution with him sitting in prison,” the governor said. “That was one of the considerations. He's served 13.5 years. His prison record is spotless. He'll be supervised by parole authorities, and one of the conditions is he'll have to start making restitution."

CBS affiliate WTOL reported in 2018 when Noe’s most recent bid for clemency failed that he still owed $11.67 million in restitution to the BWC. Among other things, the parole board that recommended Noe remain incarcerated said he “has made minimal efforts toward the repayment of restitution” and did not have a plan to pay restitution or other court costs.