The owner of two Arkansas mental health companies was convicted on two counts of bribery for attempting to sway the former deputy director of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, according to the Department of Justice.
A federal jury convicted Theodore E. Suhl of two counts of honest services fraud, one count of federal funds bribery and one count of interstate travel in aid of bribery, according to DOJ officials.
According to trial documents, Mr. Suhl and former deputy director of ADHS Steven B. Jones would meet periodically since 2007 to discuss ways in which Mr. Jones could help Mr. Suhl and his companies through his role as deputy director. Mr. Jones allegedly agreed to provide Mr. Suhl with internal ADHS information and would perform official acts that benefited Mr. Suhl and his businesses.
In exchange for his services, Mr. Suhl paid Mr. Jones by funneling cash payments through a third party so the transactions would not be easily traceable, according to court documents.
Mr. Jones pled guilty to federal fund bribery and conspiracy for his involvement. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison, according to DOJ officials.
DOJ officials have not released further information regarding Mr. Suhl or his sentencing.
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