Ex-FirstEnergy Execs Face Trial in $60M Ohio Bribery Scheme

Prosecutors allege payments to former utility regulator were part of a larger corruption plot.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:23am

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The trial of former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and Senior Vice President Michael Dowling has begun in Akron, Ohio. The two executives are accused of orchestrating a $4.3 million payment to veteran lawyer and lobbyist Sam Randazzo shortly before he was appointed as the state's top utility regulator. Prosecutors allege the payment was part of a larger $60 million bribery scheme involving then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns over the influence of money in politics and the potential for corruption in the utility industry. The alleged bribery scheme allowed FirstEnergy to secure a $1 billion nuclear plant bailout and block efforts to repeal the legislation. The trial could shed light on the extent of the corruption and any involvement by top state officials.

The details

Prosecutors say Jones and Dowling made the $4.3 million payment to Randazzo in exchange for regulatory and legislative favors he would later deliver to FirstEnergy. Both men have pleaded not guilty, arguing the payment was part of a long-running consulting arrangement. The case is part of a broader $60 million bribery scandal that led to the arrest of then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four associates. FirstEnergy admitted to using dark money groups to fund the plot, and Householder was convicted of racketeering in 2023.

  • The $4.3 million payment to Randazzo was made in 2019, shortly before he was appointed as Ohio's top utility regulator.
  • Opening statements in the trial of Jones and Dowling kicked off on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Chuck Jones

Former CEO of FirstEnergy Corp., one of the defendants in the trial.

Michael Dowling

Former Senior Vice President of FirstEnergy Corp., one of the defendants in the trial.

Sam Randazzo

Veteran lawyer and lobbyist who received the $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.

Mike DeWine

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

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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 Corp. (Text message to Sam Randazzo)

“Made me laugh — you guys are welcome anytime and anywhere I can open the door. Let me know how you want me to structure the invoices. Thanks.”

— Sam Randazzo, Veteran lawyer and lobbyist (Text message to Chuck Jones)

What’s next

The trial of Jones and Dowling is expected to last several weeks, with the judge set to decide on Tuesday whether to allow the two executives to be released on bail during the proceedings.

The takeaway

This high-profile trial shines a light on the potential for corruption in the utility industry and the influence of money in state politics. The case raises questions about the oversight and transparency of regulatory appointments and the need for stronger safeguards against bribery and influence peddling.