Former Ohio Regulator Accused of Pocketing $4.3M FirstEnergy Payment

Testimony alleges Sam Randazzo secretly negotiated deal with utility, kept money without informing trade group he represented

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Testimony in the trial of two former FirstEnergy executives has revealed details about a $4.3 million payment the utility made to former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Sam Randazzo. Prosecutors allege the payment was a bribe, while the defense claims Randazzo stole the money. Matt Brakey, president of Brakey Energy, testified that Randazzo secretly negotiated the deal with FirstEnergy and kept the $4.3 million without informing members of the trade association he represented at the time.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest and corruption within Ohio's utility regulation system. The $4.3 million payment raises questions about the integrity of the regulatory process and whether ratepayers' interests were properly represented.

The details

The $4.3 million payment was made to Randazzo in 2018, shortly before his appointment as PUCO chairman. Prosecutors allege the payment was a bribe, while the defense claims Randazzo stole the money. Brakey testified that Randazzo secretly negotiated a settlement between FirstEnergy and a trade association he represented, IEU-Ohio, that called for the $4.3 million payment. Brakey said Randazzo never informed IEU-Ohio members about the deal or that he was keeping the money.

  • The $4.3 million payment was made to Randazzo in 2018, shortly before his appointment as PUCO chairman.
  • The settlement agreement between FirstEnergy and IEU-Ohio that included the $4.3 million payment was negotiated in 2015.

The players

Sam Randazzo

Former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) who is accused of pocketing a $4.3 million payment from FirstEnergy.

Matt Brakey

President of Brakey Energy and a member of the trade association IEU-Ohio, which Randazzo represented at the time of the $4.3 million payment.

Chuck Jones

Former CEO of FirstEnergy who is on trial for his role in the alleged bribery scheme.

Michael Dowling

Former top lobbyist for FirstEnergy who is on trial for his role in the alleged bribery scheme.

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What they’re saying

“There was a pattern of behavior of skimming from settlements.”

— Matt Brakey, President, Brakey Energy (cleveland.com)

“Yes, it's only a question of how many pieces of division we're speaking about here.”

— Matt Brakey, President, Brakey Energy (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The trial of Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling is ongoing, and the judge will have to determine whether the $4.3 million payment was a legitimate business deal or an illegal bribe.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and transparency in Ohio's utility regulation system to ensure that regulators and utility companies are acting in the best interests of ratepayers, not their own financial interests.