The jury tasked with deciding the fate of two former FirstEnergy executives in the Ohio House Bill 6 bribery scandal will reconvene for deliberations on Tuesday. The trial is taking place in Akron, Ohio, at the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.

Procedural Issues Halt Deliberations

Special Hearing Convened Monday

On Monday, Judge Susan Baker Ross held a special hearing concerning evidence that improperly reached the jury room last Friday. This incident necessitated a pause in the ongoing deliberations.

Closing arguments concluded on the morning of March 17, after beginning on March 16. The jury officially received the case that same afternoon to begin their review.

Trial Details and Charges

The defense presented three witnesses during the proceedings, one of whom was Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted. It is important to note that Senator Husted has not been implicated in any wrongdoing related to this case.

Earlier in the trial, Judge Baker Ross dismissed money laundering charges against both defendants, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to proceed on those counts.

Background of the HB 6 Scandal

The core of the corruption case involves a $60 million bribery scheme. This scheme was allegedly orchestrated by FirstEnergy to secure the passage of a state bailout for two of its nuclear power plants.

Larry Householder, identified as the mastermind of the racketeering operation, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison in 2023 for his role.

Remaining Charges Against Defendants

One defendant faces charges including:

  • One count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, classified as a first-degree felony.
  • One count of bribery, classified as a third-degree felony.

The second defendant, Dowling, is facing eight separate charges:

  • Two counts of aggravated theft of $1.5 million or more (both first-degree felonies).
  • Two counts of telecommunications fraud (both first-degree felonies).