Governor Considers Clemency for 'Coingate' Convict

Tuesday, June 12, 2018 | 0

Ohio Gov. John Kasich is weighing a recommendation to oppose clemency for a man serving an 18-year prison sentence for stealing from a $50 million rare-coin fund he oversaw for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Gov. John Kasich

The Ohio Parole Board this month recommended against clemency for Tom Noe, 63, a former Toledo-area coin dealer, the Associated Press reported. Noe  began his prison term in 2008.

Noe raised money for Ohio Republicans before being convicted in a state investment scandal that also involved former Gov. Bob Taft, the AP said.

The parole board told Kasich that Noe's sentence was "not disparate," given the seriousness of his offense. Kasich upheld a similar recommendation three years ago.

If the governor rejects the clemency plea, Noe must wait two years before asking again, the Toledo Blade reported.