Jury deliberating in trial for ex-FirstEnergy executives

Former CEO Chuck Jones and ex-senior vice president Michael Dowling face charges of corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:18am

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Jurors in Akron began deliberating Tuesday in the corruption trial of two fired FirstEnergy Corp. executives charged for their alleged roles in a sweeping $60 million bribery scheme that resulted in a lucrative bailout of two affiliated nuclear plants. Former CEO Chuck Jones and ex-senior vice president Michael Dowling face charges of corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft for paying $4.3 million to a future top utility regulator in Ohio who helped draft the bailout legislation known as House Bill 6 and delivered the company other favors.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and undue influence in the utility industry, as well as the broader issue of corporate lobbying and its impact on the political process and public policy. The FirstEnergy scandal has already resulted in criminal convictions of other key figures, underscoring the scope of the alleged wrongdoing.

The details

Prosecutors argued that Jones and Dowling purposely corrupted Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chair-to-be Sam Randazzo for their own benefit, securing his help to land coveted legislative and regulatory favors that bolstered the utility giant's bottom line. The defense claimed the $4.3 million payment to Randazzo represented a legitimate business settlement. Text messages and other evidence were used by prosecutors to show the executives had a detailed plan to enrich themselves.

  • Jurors in Akron began deliberating on Tuesday.
  • The corruption trial has been ongoing for six weeks.

The players

Chuck Jones

Former CEO of FirstEnergy Corp. who is on trial for corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft charges.

Michael Dowling

Former senior vice president of FirstEnergy Corp. who is on trial for corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft charges.

Sam Randazzo

Former chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio who received a $4.3 million payment from FirstEnergy executives. Randazzo died by suicide in 2024 after pleading not guilty to state and federal charges.

Larry Householder

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

Matt Borges

Former Ohio Republican Party chair who was convicted of racketeering in 2023 alongside Larry Householder for his role in the FirstEnergy 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, Jones' attorney

“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, Dowling's attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and undue influence in the utility industry, as well as the broader issue of corporate lobbying and its impact on the political process and public policy. The FirstEnergy scandal has already resulted in criminal convictions of other key figures, underscoring the scope of the alleged wrongdoing.