Phil Trexler cuddles Emmy

And the Emmy goes to . . .
 Phil Trexler !

Phil Trexler, a BJ reporter for 16 years, captured an Emmy Award – television’s highest honor -- for his role in WKYC-Channel 3’s investigative series on “Food Stamp Millionaire” Pacal Mahvi.

Long-time investigative reporter Tom Meyer was the on-camera face. But Phil was the researcher and Mike Leonard the videographer/editor.

The Emmy came in the Education/Schools – News Single Story/Series/Feature category.

Geauga County’s Mahvi was convicted of getting $8,300 in food stamps and other welfare benefits while having more than $1 million in a string of bank accounts.

Mahvi also had an $800,000 Russell Township home, an in-ground swimming pool, several cars, stabled horses and undeveloped property worth tens of millions of dollars in St. Lucia.