Defense seeks halt in FirstEnergy bribery trial over key witness interviews

Lawyers claim prosecutors failed to disclose evidence from meetings with former FirstEnergy ethics officer.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Defense attorneys in the bribery trial of two former FirstEnergy executives accused prosecutors of failing to disclose evidence of interviews with a key witness, former FirstEnergy chief ethics officer Ebony Yeboah-Abankwah. The defense claims prosecutors met with Yeboah-Abankwah multiple times without law enforcement present, did not write reports, and then lied about the meetings. The defense is asking for a pause in the trial to determine their next steps, calling it a "catastrophic event." Prosecutors deny any wrongdoing and say they disclosed all information to the defense.

Why it matters

This high-profile trial centers on allegations that former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and ex-lobbyist Michael Dowling bribed a state regulator, Sam Randazzo, shortly before he became chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in 2019. The defense's claims of prosecutorial misconduct could potentially derail the trial and undermine the state's case.

The details

Defense attorney Steven Grimes said prosecutors failed to turn over recordings or notes from interviews they conducted with key witness Ebony Yeboah-Abankwah, FirstEnergy's former chief ethics officer. Prosecutors are required to disclose all evidence to the defense before trial. Grimes called the situation "at best a catastrophic event" and asked for a pause in the trial. Prosecutors denied any wrongdoing, with Assistant Ohio Attorney General Matthew Meyer saying they disclosed all information to the defense and calling the defense's actions "grandstanding."

  • The bribery trial of former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling has gone on for eight days with seven witnesses.
  • The defense's motion for a mistrial came as former FirstEnergy chief ethics officer Yeboah-Abankwah testified on cross-examination that she met several times with prosecutors.

The players

Steven Grimes

Defense attorney for the former FirstEnergy executives.

Matthew Meyer

Assistant Ohio Attorney General prosecuting the case.

Ebony Yeboah-Abankwah

Former chief ethics officer at FirstEnergy, a key witness in the trial.

Chuck Jones

Former CEO of FirstEnergy, accused of bribery.

Michael Dowling

Former top lobbyist at FirstEnergy, accused of bribery.

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What they’re saying

“This is at best a catastrophic event.”

— Steven Grimes, Defense attorney (cleveland.com)

“This grandstanding in court today is highly inappropriate. It's certainly not becoming of Mr. Grimes ... I'm not impressed by Mr. Grimes and the way he conducts himself, and the facts will speak for themselves.”

— Matthew Meyer, Assistant Ohio Attorney General (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant the defense's request for a pause in the trial to address the alleged prosecutorial misconduct.

The takeaway

This case highlights the high stakes and intense legal battles in a major corporate bribery trial, where even allegations of prosecutorial missteps can threaten to derail the proceedings. The outcome could have significant implications for the former FirstEnergy executives and the state's case against them.