Jurors in Akron, Ohio, have declared they cannot reach a unanimous verdict in the high-profile corruption trial involving two former executives from FirstEnergy Corp. The case centers on allegations surrounding a massive $60 million bribery scheme within the state.

Impasse Reached in Akron Corruption Trial

The jury informed Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross on Tuesday that they were at an impasse. The defendants are former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and former Senior Vice President Michael Dowling. Both men were terminated from the energy giant.

Jones and Dowling faced multiple felony charges, including corruption, bribery, conspiracy, and aggravated theft. These charges stemmed from allegations that they paid $4.3 million to the individual slated to become the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) chair.

Judge Considers Mistrial Motion

Following the declaration of deadlock, Judge Baker Ross stated she would evaluate a potential mistrial motion at a later date. The trial proceedings, which included testimony from high-profile figures, lasted six weeks.

Allegations of Bribery and Regulatory Favoritism

Prosecutors contended that Jones and Dowling provided the payment to Sam Randazzo, the future PUCO chair, in exchange for favorable regulatory and legislative actions. A key focus was Randazzo’s support for House Bill 6, which provided a $1 billion bailout for nuclear plants affiliated with FirstEnergy.

The defense countered these claims by asserting the $4.3 million payment was a legitimate, above-board legal settlement for services Randazzo previously rendered to the Akron-based power company. They portrayed Randazzo as solely responsible for the misuse of company funds, labeling him a “con man” and “a thief.”

The Broader FirstEnergy Scheme

FirstEnergy had previously admitted to funding the overarching $60 million scheme. This larger plot involved former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder electing allies, securing political power, passing the bailout legislation, and then running a covert campaign to defend the bill against a citizen referendum.

Tragically, Randazzo and another lobbyist facing criminal charges in connection with the scheme have both died by suicide.

Key Testimony and Communications Revealed

U.S. Senator Jon Husted provided testimony during the trial, confirming his presence at a critical dinner on December 18, 2018. Attendees included then-Governor-elect Mike DeWine, Jones, Dowling, and Josh Rubin.

Rubin, who served as both a lobbyist for FirstEnergy and an advisor to the governor’s campaign, had advised the executives earlier that day on lobbying DeWine regarding the PUCO chair selection. Rubin cautioned them against mentioning their subsequent meeting with Randazzo to DeWine.

Evidence presented included text messages detailing the payment structure. Randazzo texted Dowling a list of figures totaling $4,333,333 for the years 2019 through 2024. Dowling replied, “Got it, Sam,” and thanked him for the hospitality.

The following day, Jones texted Randazzo, promising payment in full that year. Jones wrote, “We’re going to get this handled this year, paid in full, no discount,” adding a veiled threat: “Don’t forget about us or Hurricane Chuck may show up on your doorstep!” Randazzo responded by asking how to structure the invoices.