Jurors Begin Deliberations in FirstEnergy Corruption Trial Over $60 Million Scheme

As of March 18, 2026, jurors in Akron had begun deliberations in the FirstEnergy corruption trial that accuses two former utility executives of participating in a wide-ranging pay-to-play operation. The defendants, former CEO Chuck Jones and ex-senior vice president Michael Dowling, have pleaded not guilty to allegations they arranged a $4.3 million payment to lawyer and regulator-to-be Sam Randazzo tied to a broader $60 million effort connected to passage of House Bill 6.

State prosecutors charged Jones and Dowling with corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft, arguing the payment won legislative and regulatory advantages that benefitted the company and the executives’ compensation. During two days of closing arguments the prosecution introduced text messages, post-election meetings and witness testimony, including from then-Lt. Gov.-elect Jon Husted — now a U.S. senator. Defense attorneys characterized the payment as a lawful settlement and told jurors the record did not demonstrate criminal intent. The trial in Summit County was overseen by Judge Susan Baker Ross and lasted six weeks.

The proceedings are part of a larger investigation that led FirstEnergy to enter a 2021 nonprosecution agreement acknowledging it underwrote a $60 million campaign to advance House Bill 6 and related efforts. Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder was convicted of racketeering in 2023 and sentenced to 20 years; lobbyist Matt Borges received a five-year term. Other operatives pleaded guilty, a dark-money group admitted serving as a conduit, and two figures tied to the scheme — lobbyist Neil Clark and regulator Sam Randazzo — died by suicide in 2021 and 2024, respectively. Jurors will now determine whether the charges against Jones and Dowling are supported by the evidence.