• Sources: Subpoena targets John Raphael contracts
• Raphael faces Monday deadline to cooperate with FBI
• County admin silent on federal probe

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Former Redflex lobbyist John Raphael had to make a critical decision by Monday: whether to cooperate with federal investigators digging into alleged bribery attempts involving Columbus elected officials or risk tougher penalties.

That's according to a source close to Raphael.

No information has been released on what Raphael decided to do. His attorney, Michael Miller, declined to comment.  And the FBI refuses to comment on on-going investigations.  

10 Investigates learned Monday that Franklin County administration received subpoenas from federal agents. The administration includes Franklin County commissioners.

It is unclear which commissioners are drawing federal questions. A highly-placed source in county administration confirms the subpoenas ask about county contracts dealing with John Raphael's other clients.

Lobbying records show Raphael is or has represented 15 companies and groups vying for business within Franklin County. The former Redflex lobbyist also has declined comment.

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien, who is the county administration legal counsel, also refused to confirm or deny the existence of any subpoena.

Karen Finley, the former CEO of the red light camera company that had a contract in Columbus, pled guilty to attempted bribery this June. She claims she paid money to a consultant to pay off Columbus and Cincinnati elected officials.

According to federal documents, the bribes started in 2005 when Redflex obtained the sole contract with Columbus for red light enforcement.  Redflex was the exclusive vendor of red light cameras in the city of Columbus.  

Redflex’s contract was extended in 2009, when more bribes were attempted and made.  The contract was expanded in 2010 and discontinued earlier this year.

10 Investigates broke news August 13 that federal agents asked the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio for information about their contracts with Raphael.

John Raphael no longer represents SWACO, nor does have contracts with Franklin County.

While not confirming any federal subpoena, Franklin County administrative spokesperson Hanna Greer-Brown says that county commissioners would fully cooperate with any federal request for information.