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Former MO Speaker Sentenced for Bribery Scheme

**Former Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison for Bribery, Money Laundering**

HOUSTON, TX – Rod Jetton, a prominent figure in Missouri politics and former Speaker of the state’s House of Representatives, was sentenced Friday, April 19, 2024, to 46 months – nearly four years – in federal prison for his role in a bribery and money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen handed down the sentence in a Houston federal courtroom, following Jetton’s guilty plea to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, and money laundering.

Jetton, 57, of Marble Hill, Missouri, was once one of the most powerful Republicans in the state, serving as House Speaker from 2005 to 2007. His sentencing marks a significant moment in a federal probe into public corruption.

The charges against Jetton stem from a scheme orchestrated between 2019 and 2021. Prosecutors revealed that Jetton, alongside his co-defendant Richard W. Rys, 69, a Houston-based businessman, conspired to bribe an unnamed Missouri state legislator. The objective of the scheme was to secure official legislative action in Missouri that would benefit a Houston-based energy company, also unnamed in court documents.

According to federal court records, Jetton’s role included laundering the bribe money to obscure its true origins. Rys, on his part, funneled these illicit payments through a nonprofit organization he controlled. Jetton admitted to personally receiving approximately $20,000 in bribe payments through this arrangement. This forfeiture amount will also be part of his penalty.

Beyond the prison sentence, Jetton will also face two years of supervised release once he is out. He has been ordered to report to a federal prison facility by June 19, 2024.

Jetton’s journey to sentencing began with his indictment in May 2023. He subsequently entered a guilty plea on January 23, 2024. His co-conspirator, Richard W. Rys, had previously been sentenced for his involvement in the bribery conspiracy, receiving three years in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, with assistance from federal investigators. The investigation highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat public corruption, ensuring the integrity of legislative processes and holding accountable those who abuse positions of influence for personal gain.

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