A jury in Akron, Ohio, informed the court on Friday that it could not reach a unanimous decision regarding the fate of two high-profile, former FirstEnergy Corp. executives. This impasse occurred during the trial concerning a massive $60 million bribery operation within the state.

Key Defendants and Allegations

Executives Face Felony Charges

The defendants in the case are former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and former senior vice president Michael Dowling. They were charged with serious offenses including felony corruption, bribery, conspiracy, and aggravated theft.

Prosecutors alleged that Jones and Dowling were responsible for paying $4.3 million directly to the individual slated to become Ohio’s top utility regulator. This payment was allegedly made to secure legislative and regulatory advantages for the energy company.

Defense and Company Admission

The defense team for the executives maintained that the payment in question was a legitimate, above-board legal settlement. However, FirstEnergy itself has previously admitted to underwriting the broader $60 million scheme.

This larger scheme involved former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder electing allies and passing a critical bailout bill. FirstEnergy admitted to acting as the financial conduit for the illicit cash flow.

Trial Proceedings and Next Steps

The Deadlocked Jury in Akron

The jury reported its inability to reach a verdict to Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross. The proceedings took place in Akron, Ohio, where the defendants listened to the announcement.

Judge Ross instructed the jury to continue deliberations in an attempt to reach a consensus. However, the report indicated the jury was at an impasse. The judge stated she would consider a motion for a mistrial at a later date.

Context of Related Cases

The case is tied to wider allegations of corruption surrounding the energy bailout. Tragically, Sam Randazzo, the future Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chair who received the alleged bribe, died by suicide.

A different lobbyist who also faced criminal charges related to the scheme also died by suicide. The trial involving Jones and Dowling focused specifically on their roles in facilitating the bribery payments.