In brief
In a significant corruption trial concerning Ohio's energy sector, jurors in Akron reported their inability to reach a verdict regarding Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling, former executives of FirstEnergy Corp. The defendants were accused of bribing future utility regulator Sam Randazzo with $4.3 million for legislative favors involving a controversial $1 billion nuclear plant bailout. The trial uncovered a complex web of political maneuvering, with prosecutors asserting malicious intent while the defense claimed legitimate legal settlements and smeared Randazzo’s reputation.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jurors in an Ohio corruption trial said Tuesday that they couldn’t reach a verdict in the case against two fired FirstEnergy Corp. executives for their alleged role in a $60 million bribery scheme.
The jury in Akron declared an impasse in the trial of former CEO Chuck Jones and former Senior Vice President Michael Dowling. They face charges of felony corruption, bribery, conspiracy, and aggravated theft for allegedly paying $4.3 million to the state's prospective top utility regulator. A judge indicated she would explore a mistrial motion at a later hearing.
Prosecutors alleged that Jones and Dowling bribed Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chair-to-be Sam Randazzo to secure legislative and regulatory favors. The defense maintained that the payment was a legitimate legal settlement for services rendered by Randazzo to FirstEnergy.
As per a non-prosecution agreement in 2021, FirstEnergy confessed to its part in the $60 million scheme, in which former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder enabled allies, secured influence, passed the bailout bill, and fought against a citizens' referendum with a campaign of deceit.
Householder was sentenced to 20 years for racketeering in 2023, while former Ohio Republican Party Chair Matt Borges received a five-year prison term. Several political operatives facing initial charges have pleaded guilty, and a dark money group acknowledged acting as a funnel for the illegal funds. Tragically, Randazzo and another lobbyist with charges against them died by suicide.
Prosecutors contended that Jones and Dowling engaged in unethical behavior by bribing Randazzo to advance House Bill 6, which granted a $1 billion bailout to the nuclear plants linked to FirstEnergy. The defense's strategy involved discrediting Randazzo, dubbing him a 'thief' who allegedly misused FirstEnergy’s funds.
High-profile witness testimony came from U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, who verified his presence at a dinner with Jones, Dowling, then-Gov.-elect Mike DeWine, and an advisor who lobbied for FirstEnergy. Tension surrounded the dinner as they planned to meet Randazzo later.
Text messages emerged from the proceedings, revealing a complex and potentially incriminating dialogue between Dowling and Randazzo regarding payment structures. The trial, spanning six weeks, brought forth detailed accounts of corrupt practices allegedly permeating the regulation of Ohio’s energy sector.
