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Trial Begins for FirstEnergy Executives in $4.3M Bribery Case

2/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Opening statements began in Akron, Ohio, in the trial of former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling.
Prosecutors allege the defendants took a $4.3 million bribe to state regulator Sam Randazzo to pass House Bill 6, the $1.3 billion nuclear bailout.
The trial is expected to last two months.
The defendants deny wrongdoing, saying the payment was part of a consulting arrangement.

History

Historical Context

Ohio's House Bill 6, passed in July 2019, provided a $1.3 billion bailout for nuclear plants owned by FirstEnergy, amid allegations of a bribery scheme involving $60 million funneled to support its passage. The scandal, described as one of the largest in Ohio's history, led to the conviction of former Speaker Larry Householder and ongoing scrutiny of energy policy and regulatory integrity in the state.

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Story summary

Opening statements began in Akron, Ohio, in the trial of former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling.
Prosecutors allege the defendants took a $4.3 million bribe to state regulator Sam Randazzo to pass House Bill 6, the $1.3 billion nuclear bailout.
The trial is expected to last two months.
The defendants deny wrongdoing, saying the payment was part of a consulting arrangement.

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