CONTINUING COVERAGE
The Journal-News will have gavel-to-gavel coverage of the criminal trial of former state lawmaker Pete Beck. The trial is in recess until Monday morning. Follow staff writer Michael D. Pitman on Monday on Twitter at @MDPitmanJournal.
Christopher Technologies co-founder John Fussner testified Thursday that he was “ultimately responsible” for the failed tech company’s finances, even though he hired former Ohio lawmaker Pete Beck to be the chief financial officer.
Fussner, a one-time co-defendant, continued his testimony during day 14 of Beck’s criminal trial in Hamilton County. Beck, a former Mason mayor and state representative, is accused of fleecing Christopher Technologies investors out of millions of dollars and faces 55 charges, including securities fraud, theft and money laundering, from two indictments.
He has maintained his innocence since charges were first filed against him in July 2013. Beck faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
Fussner repeatedly stated Thursday that Beck was the CFO and co-signed checks on behalf of the company. But Fussner also had to acknowledge during testimony that there was another signature on all of the checks being presented into evidence, the company’s tax returns and 401K paperwork — his own.
“At the end of the day, I’m the man who signed everything,” Fussner said in response to several questions about the company’s finances. “Ultimately as the CEO, I’m responsible.”
Fussner and Christopher Technologies were the subject of a civil suit filed by the U.S. Department of Labor because contributions to the company’s 401K plan had not been made, according to testimony and court documents.
Last week, former Christopher Technologies board of directors president Jim Ashworth testified that former bookkeeper and controller Charlene Parsons – who died in 2012 – told him that Beck instructed her to withhold the IRS and 401k plan payments.
Instead of fighting the lawsuit or placing blame, Fussner said he accepted the default judgment, which said he would not defend himself and he “agreed with the findings.”
“I had signed the documents, I knew that as the signer on the documents I was responsible, ultimately,” said Fussner, who testified he owes the Department of Labor between $11,000 to $14,000.
Beck’s trial will be in recess until Monday morning due to a conflicting commitment involving Senior Assistant Attorney General Dan Kasaris, the lead prosecutor. Fussner will be back at that time for his fourth day on the stand under direct questioning of the prosecution.
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