Former Indiana House Representative Pleads Guilty in Gaming Company Scandal

Former Indiana House Representative, Sean Eberhart, faced federal corruption charges filed in Indiana, with a plea of guilt for conspiring to secure a high-paying position with a gaming company by exploiting his legislative role. The charges were announced by Zachary A. Myers, US Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office special agent, Herbert J. Stapleton, following an FBI investigation. Assistant US Attorney Brad Shepard is currently prosecuting the case.

Eberhart, who served for 16 years until November last year, allegedly used his influence in the House Committee on Public Policy to advance legislation favoring a gaming operator in exchange for a well-paid role. The allegations date back to late 2018 and early 2019 when Spectacle Entertainment sought approval for casino license purchases and relocations in Indiana.

According to court documents, the owner of Spectacle offered Eberhart an annual role with a $350,000 salary, contingent on his support for the proposed bill. Allegedly, Eberhart agreed to not only promote the bill but also reduce the transfer fee from $100 million to $20 million and endorse tax incentives for the gaming company.