On November 10, 2023, Sean Eberhart, a 57-year-old former member of the Indiana House of Representatives, agreed to plead guilty to conspiring with others to solicit and receive promises of future lucrative employment with a gaming company in exchange for supporting legislation beneficial to the company.

To know more, read here https://www.fcctimes.com/2023/11/10/former-indiana-legislator-sean-eberhart-to-plead-guilty-in-gaming-company-scandal-allegations-of-bribery-corruption-and-conspiracy-unfold/

In late 2018 and early 2019, Spectacle Entertainment aimed to relocate two Lake Michigan casinos, requiring legislative approval in Indiana. A House bill, introduced during Eberhart’s tenure, included a ‘transfer fee’ aimed at facilitating Spectacle’s purchases and relocations. Federal charges assert that Eberhart accepted promises of future employment, including an annual compensation of at least $350,000 from Spectacle.

Allegedly, Eberhart leveraged his position to advocate for favorable terms, such as reducing the transfer fee from $100 million to $20 million and introducing tax incentives. Text messages indicate Eberhart’s efforts to secure legislation benefiting Spectacle Entertainment.