Clayton Luckie Politician
Clayton R. Luckie II was a Democratic member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 39th District since his appointment in 2006 until his decision to withdraw from the race for re-election in 2012, culminating with his replacement in January 2013.In August 2012, Luckie announced that he would not seek re-election to this position in the 2012 election, following the news that he was under criminal investigation on an undisclosed matter, one stated only to be "something other than bribery."In October 2012, it was revealed that Luckie was under investigation by and had surrendered to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for felony and misdemeanor charges involving political corruption, including misuse of campaign funds and theft in office.The two candidates that were seeking Luckie's current House of Representatives position were Fred Strahorn (Democrat), a former state senator, and Jeff Wellbaum (Republican), a decorated Iraq War veteran. In the November 2012 election, Fred Strahorn won the position, with over 80% of the vote, the voting district in question traditionally being heavily Democratic.Luckie plead not guilty to the charges and was released on bond. It was reported that Luckie suffered an undisclosed health issue while being booked into jail. He was taken a hospital, treated, and released. When asked for a statement by the media, he replied "no comment."Despite not having attended any state functions since July 9, 2012, Luckie continued to receive a paycheck as he waited out his final months in office. A number of officials had called for his resignation. Had Luckie resigned, a placeholder would have been required to fill his position, as the elected Strahorn was not legally allowed to do so until his official term began. On December 20, 2012, it was announced that Luckie would stand trial beginning on January 22, 2013 if no plea bargain could be worked out. His term officially ended on January 7, 2013, with the swearing in of Fred Strahorn. On January 21, 2013, Luckie officially agreed to a plea deal on nine charges.