FirstEnergy trial witness says Randazzo dodged payment disclosures

Top Ohio ethics official says former utility regulator failed to report potential conflicts of interest

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Paul Nick, the executive director of the Ohio Ethics Commission, testified in the FirstEnergy corruption trial that former state utility regulator Sam Randazzo failed to disclose payments he received from sources that may have had conflicts of interest.

Why it matters

The testimony raises further questions about Randazzo's actions as a powerful utility regulator in Ohio and whether he improperly used his position to benefit FirstEnergy and other energy companies.

The details

Nick said he sought information from Randazzo about payments he had received, but Randazzo did not fully disclose the details. The testimony is part of the ongoing federal trial of former FirstEnergy executives accused of bribing Ohio officials, including Randazzo, to pass a $1 billion bailout for the company's nuclear plants.

  • The testimony was given on February 21, 2026 during the FirstEnergy trial.

The players

Paul Nick

The executive director of the Ohio Ethics Commission.

Sam Randazzo

The former state utility regulator in Ohio who is accused of receiving undisclosed payments from FirstEnergy.

FirstEnergy

The energy company accused of bribing Ohio officials, including Randazzo, to pass a $1 billion bailout for its nuclear plants.

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What they’re saying

“Paul Nick, Ohio Ethics Commission executive director, said he sought information from Sam Randazzo about monies he had received from sources that may have (a) potential conflict of interest and that were not disclosed on his form.”

— Paul Nick, Ohio Ethics Commission Executive Director (Akron Beacon Journal)

What’s next

The FirstEnergy trial is ongoing, and further testimony is expected to shed more light on Randazzo's actions and potential conflicts of interest.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of utility regulators fully disclosing potential conflicts of interest to maintain public trust and ensure fair oversight of the energy industry.