Jurors say they can’t reach a verdict in the trial of two fired FirstEnergy Corp. executives in a $60 million bribery scheme in Ohio.
One wrong move: The sometimes-life-threatening reality inside Jacksonville’s road work zonesRead full article: Clay County Fair officials hold press conference on logisticsLegal expert questions whether Trump’s threats to Iran’s energy infrastructure cross a lineSummit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross instructs the jury to reach a verdict as prosecution and defense attorneys and the defendants ex-FirstEnergy Senior Vice President Michael Dowling and former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones listen during hearing in their case in Baker Ross' courtroom, in Akron, Ohio, Monday, March 30, 2026.
Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross addresses the jury during a hearing in the case of defendants former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and ex-FirstEnergy Senior Vice President Michael Dowling during a hearing in Ross' courtroom, in Akron, Ohio, Monday, March 30, 2026. Defendant ex-FirstEnergy Senior Vice President Michael Dowling, left, talks to defense attorney George Stamboulidis during a hearing in Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross' courtroom, in Akron, Ohio, Monday, March 30, 2026. Defendant ex-FirstEnergy Senior Vice President Michael Dowling, left, listens to attorney George Stamboulidis before a hearing in Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross' courtroom, in Akron, Ohio, Monday, March 30, 2026. Defendant ex-FirstEnergy Senior Vice President Michael Dowling, left, and attorney Steve Grimes leave court after a hearing in Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross' courtroom, in Akron, Ohio, Monday, March 30, 2026. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross instructs the jury to reach a verdict as prosecution and defense attorneys and the defendants ex-FirstEnergy Senior Vice President Michael Dowling and former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones listen during hearing in their case in Baker Ross' courtroom, in Akron, Ohio, Monday, March 30, 2026. – Jurors in an Ohio corruption trial said Tuesday that they couldn't reach a verdict in the case against two fired FirstEnergy Corp. executives for their alleged role in a $60 million bribery scheme. The jury in Akron said it was at an impasse in the trial of former CEO Chuck Jones and former senior vice president Michael Dowling. They were charged with felony corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft for paying $4.3 million to the state’s future top utility regulator. The judge said she will consider a mistrial motion at a later time.Prosecutors said Jones and Dowling bribed Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chair-to-be Sam Randazzo for legislative and regulatory favors. The defense had argued the payment represented an above-board legal settlement., FirstEnergy had already admitted to underwriting the $60 million scheme in which former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder elected allies, secured power, passed the bailout bill and then used a dirty-tricks campaign to defend it from a citizen referendum.to serving as a conduit for the cash. Randazzo and a different lobbyist who also faced criminal charges died by suicide. Prosecutors had argued that Jones and Dowling bribed Randazzo in exchange for regulatory and legislative favors, most notably his work championing House Bill 6, a $1 billion bailout for two FirstEnergy-affiliated nuclear plants. The defense argued the $4.3 million payment represented an above-board legal settlement to Randazzo for services he provided to the Akron-based power giant. The defense painted Randazzo as “a thief” and “a con man” who bore sole responsibility for the misuse of FirstEnergy money. Prosecutors said Jones and Dowling were savvy grown men who knew exactly what they were doing. The highest profile witness to testify during the six-week trial was U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, a former Ohio lieutenant governor who confirmed to jurors that he was present at a key Dec. 18, 2018, dinner between himself, then-Gov.-elect Mike DeWine, Jones, Dowling and Josh Rubin, who doubled as an advisor to the governor’s campaign and a lobbyist for FirstEnergy. Rubin provided advice to the executives earlier that day on how to lobby DeWine to favor the company’s preferences to chair the PUCO, according to a text contained in the criminal complaint. Rubin cautioned them not to mention to DeWine that they would be meeting Randazzo at his residence after the dinner. Later in the day, Randazzo texted Dowling a list of figures for the years 2019 through 2024, “Total 4,333,333.” “Got it, Sam,” Dowling replied. “Good seeing you as well. Thanks for the hospitality. Cool condo.” The next day, Jones also texted Randazzo. “We’re going to get this handled this year, paid in full, no discount,” he wrote. “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.” Randazzo replied, “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.” Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.The Jags are about to get a new 'home away from home' for 2027Lawmakers hope new law spurs affordable housing, but some say it weakens local government controlWoman found fatally shot in front yard of home on Jacksonville’s WestsideFlorida court shuts down online gift card business based in Ponte Vedra, imposes over $800K in finesDNA test connects Clay County Navy veteran to WWII POW missing for over 80 yearsSt. Augustine replacing downtown parking kiosks with cashless touchscreensHundreds participate in Jacksonville ‘No Kings’ rally against Trump administrationFlagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concernsGAME DAY ⚾🦐 The defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp returnShould an HOA or property management company be required to post parking rules for visitors?Fights erupt at Palatka Junior-Senior High after field trip focused on mental healthMother of teen punched during arrest says officer went too far
Matt Borges Chuck Jones U.S. News Michael Dowling Larry Householder Sam Randazzo
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