Prosecution concludes testimony in FirstEnergy trial

Defense to present case after prosecution rests

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The prosecution has finished calling witnesses to testify in the bribery trial of former FirstEnergy executives. The defense will now present its case in the high-profile case involving allegations of a $60 million racketeering and bribery scheme.

Why it matters

The FirstEnergy trial has drawn significant attention as it involves allegations of a wide-ranging corruption scheme that reached the highest levels of Ohio's political establishment. The outcome of the trial could have major implications for the future of Ohio's energy policy and utility rates.

The details

Prosecutors have spent weeks presenting testimony from witnesses alleging that former FirstEnergy executives bribed public officials, including the former Ohio House Speaker, in order to secure a $1 billion bailout for the company's nuclear power plants. The defense will now have the opportunity to mount its case and challenge the prosecution's evidence.

  • The prosecution finished calling witnesses to testify on March 5, 2026.
  • The defense will now present its case after the prosecution rested.

The players

FirstEnergy

An Ohio-based electric utility company that was at the center of the alleged bribery and racketeering scheme.

Former Ohio House Speaker

A key figure in the alleged corruption scheme, accused of accepting bribes from FirstEnergy executives.

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What’s next

The judge will now hear the defense's case, and a verdict is expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

This high-profile trial has shone a light on the alleged corruption within Ohio's political and utility sectors, and its outcome could have significant implications for the state's energy policy and consumer electricity rates going forward.