Former FirstEnergy Exec Struggles to Recall Key Details in Bribery Trial

Michael Dowling's deposition played for jurors as he and ex-CEO Chuck Jones face charges over $4.3 million payment to ex-utility regulator

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In a three-hour deposition played for jurors, former FirstEnergy executive Michael Dowling repeatedly said he couldn't recall key details surrounding a crucial meeting in which prosecutors allege he and ex-CEO Chuck Jones bribed former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chairman Sam Randazzo. Dowling and Jones are on trial for bribery charges related to a $4.3 million payment to Randazzo in exchange for his help passing a $1 billion bailout for two aging nuclear plants.

Why it matters

The deposition footage provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the alleged bribery scheme that led to the passage of the scandal-ridden House Bill 6, which gave a bailout to FirstEnergy's nuclear plants and allowed the company to continue charging inflated rates. The case has major implications for utility regulation and corporate influence in Ohio politics.

The details

Prosecutors say Dowling and Jones met with then-Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted for dinner on Dec. 18, 2018, before driving to Randazzo's condo to discuss the PUCO chairmanship. Dowling said he couldn't recall specifics of what was discussed, but text messages show Jones later told Randazzo they would 'get this handled this year, paid in full.' The next day, Dowling pulled other executives into a meeting to discuss making the $4.3 million payment to Randazzo, which was later put on the books for 2018.

  • On December 18, 2018, Dowling, Jones, and two others met with DeWine and Husted for dinner.
  • Later that night on December 18, 2018, Dowling and Jones met with Randazzo at his condo.
  • On the morning of December 19, 2018, Jones texted Randazzo about 'getting this handled' with a $4.3 million payment.

The players

Michael Dowling

A former executive at FirstEnergy who is on trial for bribery charges related to a $4.3 million payment to ex-PUCO chairman Sam Randazzo.

Chuck Jones

The former CEO of FirstEnergy who is on trial alongside Dowling for bribery charges.

Sam Randazzo

The former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio who allegedly received a $4.3 million bribe from FirstEnergy in exchange for helping pass a $1 billion bailout for the company's nuclear plants.

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio at the time of the alleged bribery scheme.

Jon Husted

The Lieutenant Governor of Ohio at the time of the alleged bribery scheme.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to get this handled this year, paid in full, no discount. Don't forget about us or Hurricane Chuck may show up on your doorstep! Of course, no guarantee he won't show up sometime anyway.”

— Chuck Jones, Former CEO, FirstEnergy (cleveland.com)

“I'm not certain, but I believe Mr. Jones was referencing Mr. Jones' retirement plan, that Mr. Randazzo and [his wife] were moving to Florida.”

— Michael Dowling, Former Executive, FirstEnergy (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Dowling and Jones to be released on bail as the trial continues.

The takeaway

This case sheds light on the cozy relationships between utility companies, regulators, and politicians in Ohio, raising concerns about corporate influence and the integrity of the state's energy policy decisions.