A northern Ohio lawmaker accused of stealing antiques and other items from a home while doing work as an auctioneer has been convicted on a felony theft charge and immediately removed from office under state law.
An Ottawa County jury today convicted Rep. Steve Kraus of theft but acquitted him on a breaking and entering charge. The Republican from Sandusky has maintained his innocence. His attorney has said Kraus took items from a Port Clinton home to inventory them for auction at the request of a real estate agent.
House Republican spokeswoman Brittany Warner says Speaker Cliff Rosenberger was reviewing the verdict and working to establish a timeline for the GOP caucus to select Kraus' replacement. Kraus' sentencing is scheduled Aug. 21.