Man running for Ohio senate funds campaign by stealing from employer, fraternal order of police

A man who stole from his employer and local police to fund a senate campaign and more has pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

According to the United States Attorneys Office Southern District of Ohio, 44 year-old Jonathan Leissler of Stow pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud totaling $4.5 million on Dec. 18.

In December of 2023, while Leissler worked as central financial officer (CFO) for an industrial supply company in Warrensville, he launched a campaign for the Ohio Senate. Using his position as CFO, he created fake payroll records to receive multiple payments, some up to $20,000, as donations to his senate campaign. His state senate run was not successful.

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He also stole money from a local fraternal order of police that he was treasurer for, as he had access to the organization’s debit card and checkbook.

According to federal investigators, Leissler stole a total of $4.5 million. He used the funds for his senate campaign, and spent some of the embezzled money on private plane travel, a down payment for a vacation property in South Carolina, and the mortgages for his home and vacation property. He also used the money to pay off his credit cards, cars, purchase crypto mining equipment and start a side business. 

Leissler has not been sentenced yet, but is facing up to 20 years in prison.

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