Former FirstEnergy Executive Granted Immunity to Testify Against Colleagues

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Ebony Yeboah-Amankwah, a former chief ethics officer at FirstEnergy, has been granted immunity to testify as a state witness in the criminal trial of two ex-FirstEnergy executives, Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling. Yeboah-Amankwah said she recalls discussions among company leaders in late 2018 about a $4.3 million payment to Sam Randazzo, who later became Ohio's top utility regulator. Prosecutors allege the payment was a bribe, while the defense claims it was part of a settlement. Yeboah-Amankwah said she did not support the payment and that Randazzo would often go over her head if she disagreed with him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the alleged corruption and unethical practices within the leadership of FirstEnergy, one of Ohio's largest utility companies. The testimony of a former high-ranking executive like Yeboah-Amankwah could provide crucial evidence against her former colleagues and shed light on the company's questionable dealings with state regulators.

The details

Yeboah-Amankwah, who was FirstEnergy's chief ethics officer in late 2018, said she has an agreement that her truthful testimony in the trial of Jones and Dowling will not be used against her. She recalled discussions about the $4.3 million payment to Randazzo, which prosecutors allege was a bribe, while the defense claims it was part of a settlement. Yeboah-Amankwah said she did not support the payment and that Randazzo would often override her if she disagreed with him.

• In late 2018, Yeboah-Amankwah was FirstEnergy's chief ethics officer.
• In early January 2019, FirstEnergy paid Randazzo the $4.3 million.
• Yeboah-Amankwah was "separated" from FirstEnergy in 2020.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Yeboah-Amankwah's testimony is scheduled to continue on February 13.