Pete Ricketts

There are no reports of Pete Ricketts being indicted, charged, or convicted of any crimes, fraud, or bribery. His career has involved several public controversies regarding his political tactics and financial disclosures. Ricketts faced criticism for using personal wealth to influence Nebraska legislative elections, specifically spending money to defeat Republican incumbents who opposed his policies. Former State Senator Jerry Johnson publicly labeled these actions as unethical. He was also criticized for his handling of a failed state contract with Saint Francis Ministries and for appearing maskless in public during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the termination of a server who recorded him. Additionally, financial disclosures revealed Ricketts maintained investments in China-linked entities while simultaneously taking a staunch anti-Beijing political stance. Reports noted discrepancies in his filings regarding the headquarters of these investments, which his office attributed to clerical errors that were subsequently amended. He has also been involved in litigation regarding state policies, such as the constitutional challenge to Nebraska's same-sex marriage ban, which was ultimately resolved by the Supreme Court.