Ex-FirstEnergy Execs Charged in $60M Ohio Bribery Scheme Go on Trial

Prosecutors allege the executives rigged the game through a $4.3 million payment to a top utility regulator

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Federal prosecutors have alleged that former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and former FirstEnergy Services Corp. Senior Vice President Michael Dowling orchestrated a $4.3 million payment to veteran lawyer and lobbyist Sam Randazzo shortly before he was appointed as Ohio's top utility regulator. The payment is at the center of a sweeping $60 million bribery scandal involving then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder. Jones and Dowling have pleaded not guilty, arguing the payment was part of a legitimate consulting agreement.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about the influence of money in politics and the potential for corruption in the utility industry. It also raises questions about the appointment process for powerful state regulatory positions and the need for greater transparency around potential conflicts of interest.

The details

Prosecutors allege that Jones and Dowling made the $4.3 million payment to Randazzo in exchange for regulatory and legislative favors he would later deliver to FirstEnergy. The defense argues the payment was part of a legitimate consulting agreement. Randazzo, who died by suicide in 2024, was previously painted by the defense as "a thief" and "a con man" who bore sole responsibility for the misuse of FirstEnergy money.

  • In 2019, FirstEnergy made a $4.3 million payment to Sam Randazzo shortly before he was appointed as Ohio's top utility regulator.
  • In 2020, then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four associates were arrested in connection with the $60 million bribery scheme.
  • In 2023, a jury convicted Householder of racketeering. He is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence.
  • The trial of Jones and Dowling began on February 3, 2026.

The players

Chuck Jones

Former CEO of FirstEnergy Corp., who has pleaded not guilty to felony corruption charges.

Michael Dowling

Former Senior Vice President of FirstEnergy Services Corp., who has pleaded not guilty to felony corruption charges.

Sam Randazzo

Veteran lawyer and lobbyist who received a $4.3 million payment from FirstEnergy shortly before being appointed as Ohio's top utility regulator. Randazzo died by suicide in 2024 after pleading not guilty to dozens of state and federal charges.

Larry Householder

Former Ohio House Speaker who was convicted of racketeering in 2023 for his role in the $60 million bribery scheme. He is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence.

Mike DeWine

Ohio Governor who appointed Randazzo to the powerful Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“Chuck Jones and Mike Dowling went to Mr. Randazzo repeatedly, secretly and they rigged the game. That's what this is about, and that's why it's simple. This game got rigged and the game is not boring.”

— Matthew Meyer, Special Assistant Attorney General (wane.com)

“In our daily lives, we might be able to get away with that sort of shortcut from time to time. But that's not how it works in a court of law. You can't skip the details. You can't miss critical facts when somebody's liberty is at stake. Not in here.”

— Steve Grimes, Defense Attorney (wane.com)

“There was nothing secret or hidden about this payment.”

— Carole Rendon, Jones' Defense Attorney (wane.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Jones and Dowling to remain out on bail during the trial, which is expected to last eight weeks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight in the utility industry, particularly when it comes to the appointment of state regulators. It also raises concerns about the influence of money in politics and the potential for corruption to undermine the public interest.