In 1920 Warren Harding was elected President of the USA. He gained a reputation as a weak manager for giving important and influential posts to friends and peers who were members of his cabinet. The Ohio Gang was a group of politicians who were in positions of power during Harding's administration. They betrayed the public's trust in several scandals.
At the beginning of 1924, soon after Harding's death, Congress began investigating reports of corruption and bribery during Harding's administration. Several members of the Gang were charged and imprisoned for corruption.
Charles R Forbes was found guilty of fraud, conspiracy and bribery in the Veterans' Bureau.
In 1927 Albert B Fall, who Harding had appointed secretary of the interior, was found guilty, fined $100,000 and imprisoned for his part in the Teapot DomeThis was the biggest scandal during Harding's term. Politicians leased the government's land to oil companies for money. and the Elk-Hills oil fund scandal.
Harry M Daugherty, who had been Attorney General, was found guilty of selling alcohol illegally and giving licences and pardons to offenders.