Jury Deliberating in Corruption Trial of Ex-FirstEnergy Executives

Former CEO Chuck Jones and ex-senior VP Michael Dowling accused of $4.3 million bribery scheme

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:54pm

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Jurors in Akron, Ohio have begun deliberating in the corruption trial of two former FirstEnergy Corp. executives, Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling, who are accused of paying a $4.3 million bribe to a future top utility regulator in Ohio. Prosecutors allege the executives corrupted the regulatory process to secure favors and a lucrative bailout for the company's nuclear plants, while the defense argues the payment was a legitimate legal settlement.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issues of corporate corruption and the abuse of political influence, as well as the challenges in regulating the energy industry and ensuring fair and transparent processes. The outcome could have significant implications for FirstEnergy and the individuals involved.

The details

Jones and Dowling are charged with corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft for allegedly paying the $4.3 million bribe to Sam Randazzo, who was set to become the chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Prosecutors argue the executives purposely corrupted the regulatory process to benefit FirstEnergy, while the defense claims the payment was a legitimate legal settlement. Text messages and evidence of meetings with state officials are being used as evidence by both sides.

  • Jurors in Akron began deliberating the case on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • The trial has been ongoing for six weeks in Summit County Common Pleas Court.

The players

Chuck Jones

Former CEO of FirstEnergy Corp., charged with corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft.

Michael Dowling

Former senior vice president of FirstEnergy Corp., charged with corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft.

Sam Randazzo

Former chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, who allegedly received a $4.3 million bribe from the FirstEnergy executives. Randazzo died by suicide in 2024 after pleading not guilty to related charges.

Larry Householder

Former Ohio House Speaker, convicted in 2023 of racketeering for his role in the $60 million bribery scheme involving FirstEnergy.

Matt Borges

Former Ohio Republican Party chair, convicted in 2023 alongside Householder for his role in the bribery scheme.

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What they’re saying

“They rigged a process that was supposed to be fair for everyone. Their corruption here was using power, influence and money for personal and corporate greed.”

— Matthew Meyer, Special Assistant Attorney General

“Chuck Jones did not bribe Sam Randazzo. He made a legitimate business decision to terminate a settlement agreement that was for Sam Randazzo's clients, the members of IEU-Ohio.”

— Carole Rendon, Attorney for Chuck Jones

“I've been fighting for Mike for a long time. And this is it. I'm done fighting. I get to turn it over to now. You guys are the safeguards. You're the constitutional protection that Mike has. You're what he's got. And so when you go back there in your jury room, please demand the details. Don't compromise. Listen. Respect your fellow jurors. Talk it out. But don't accept these assumptions. Keep up the fight for Mike. Send him home.”

— Steven Grimes, Attorney for Michael Dowling

What’s next

The jury will continue deliberating to determine if Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling are guilty of the charges against them.

The takeaway

This trial highlights the ongoing challenges in rooting out corporate corruption and the abuse of political influence, as well as the complexities involved in regulating the energy industry. The outcome will be closely watched for its potential impact on FirstEnergy and the individuals involved.