Former FirstEnergy Execs Accused of Bribery in Scathing Opening Statements

Prosecutors claim greed drove $4.3 million payment to utility regulator, while defense says no bribe was paid

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Prosecutors in Ohio have accused former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and lobbyist Michael Dowling of bribing a top utility regulator, Sam Randazzo, with $4.3 million in order to boost the company's profits and stock prices. However, the defense argues the payment was legally required under a previous settlement and that Randazzo stole the money instead of giving it to his clients.

Why it matters

This case is part of a larger corruption scandal surrounding Ohio's House Bill 6, which provided a bailout for FirstEnergy. The trial marks the second criminal case tied to the bill's passage and fallout, following the 2023 conviction of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder. The outcome could have significant implications for FirstEnergy, the state's utility regulation, and public trust in Ohio's political system.

The details

Prosecutors allege that Jones and Dowling bribed Randazzo, the former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), in order to secure favorable rulings that boosted FirstEnergy's profits. They claim the two executives met with then-Governor-elect Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted, believing Randazzo would be appointed PUCO chairman, and then hatched a plan to bribe him. In the following months, Randazzo allegedly pushed for legislation that benefited FirstEnergy and blocked reviews that would have shown the company was overcharging customers.

  • In December 2018, Jones and Dowling met with then-Governor-elect DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted.
  • Also in December 2018, Jones and Dowling allegedly paid a $4.3 million bribe to Randazzo.
  • In the months after the bribe, Randazzo took actions that benefited FirstEnergy.

The players

Chuck Jones

Former CEO of FirstEnergy, accused of being involved in the bribery scheme.

Michael Dowling

Top lobbyist for FirstEnergy, accused of being involved in the bribery scheme.

Sam Randazzo

Former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, who prosecutors allege was bribed by Jones and Dowling. Randazzo died by suicide in 2024 after being initially charged in the case.

Mike DeWine

Governor of Ohio, listed as a potential defense witness.

Jon Husted

Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, listed as a potential defense witness.

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What they’re saying

“Ultimately it's about greed. It's about corporate greed and about personal greed.”

— Matthew Meyer, Assistant Ohio Attorney General

“None of that money was intended for Sam Randazzo. And if he had not stolen that money, none of us would be here today.”

— Carole Rendon, Defense attorney for Chuck Jones

“Ladies and gentlemen, this would be the first time in human history that someone paid a bribe at 9 a.m. and undermined the person they were bribing to make sure they couldn't help them two hours later.”

— Steven Grimes, Defense attorney for Michael Dowling

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing corruption allegations surrounding Ohio's energy policy and the influence of corporate interests on the state's utility regulation. It raises questions about the integrity of the political process and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures.