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.
‘That is a crime’: Texts reveal Judge Lina Hidalgo’s communications with rodeo officials regarding concert removalSNAP benefits changing April 1 in Texas: What you can no longer buy Thousands of Houston patients urged to check coverage as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Memorial Hermann contract deadline near‘Get out, b---h’: 71-year-old with machete accused in road rage incidentA sign advertises a store accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Louisville, Ky.
, on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. Millions of student loan borrowers face deadline as SAVE plan endsBefore the Comets, there were the Houston Angels: How 1979 champions helped pave the way for women’s basketball Read full article: Before the Comets, there were the Houston Angels: How 1979 champions helped pave the way for women’s basketballSummit 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.Big City Wings, Big City DEALS | How to save $$$ on your next night out with Houston Life DealsHouston's Spark Parks at risk of permanent closureHouston gearing up for possible RAINY WEEKEND!Niños estaban afuera. Familias reunidas. Y de repente… disparos. 🚨DNA leads to arrest in 'Lovers Lane' Houston cold case after 36 yearsGet Hungry, Astros Fans! Reviewing the TASTY new food options coming to Daikin Park this yearRare guest alert! ⚠️We love when Chantell Preston stops by Studio B with the best advice and laughs
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