Political campaign treasurer charged with stealing nearly $1 million from Ohio candidates

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A prolific campaign treasurer for more than 100 Ohio political candidates, including many Republicans, has been federally charged with stealing almost $1 million in campaign funds.

William Curlis, 76, was charged with wire fraud Thursday for allegedly stealing more than $995,000 from various candidates' funds and a political action committee for which he was treasurer. Court documents show a proposed plea agreement, suggesting Curlis plans to plead guilty.

According to court documents, from 2008 until June 2023, Curlis wrote himself multiple checks from candidates' campaign funds and one PAC's fund while serving as treasurer. To conceal the theft, he allegedly transferred funds between accounts without candidates' knowledge and falsified corresponding campaign finance reports.

“As the campaign treasurer and only signatory on numerous bank accounts, Curlis took advantage of his trusted position and wrote checks to himself from the accounts of multiple candidates and one PAC,” U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker said in a news release. “I urge candidates, PACs, and businesses alike to protect themselves from future fraud by examining their accounting processes for vulnerabilities and other blind spots."

The court documents do not disclose which candidates Curlis defrauded. Multiple Republican politicians have filed complaints against Curlis with the Ohio Elections Commission, including Hilliard-area State Sen. Stephanie Kunze and former Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien.

The bill of information alleges that Curlis sold his residence in 2016 to cover the cost of campaign expenses and conceal account deficits caused by his theft.