Story perspectives

Hung Jury Declares Mistrial in FirstEnergy Bribery Case

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

A hung jury ended the bribery trial of former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling after six weeks.
Jurors could not reach verdict on seven charges, including a $4.3 million payment to Sam Randazzo, former Public Utilities Commission Chair.
Evidence, including FirstEnergy's prior admission of guilt in a related bribery scheme, was not disclosed to the jury.
A status conference is set for 30 days from March 31, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The Ohio nuclear bribery scandal erupted in 2020 when FirstEnergy admitted to a $60 million scheme involving former House Speaker Larry Householder, who allegedly received $500,000 to influence House Bill 6, a controversial $1.3 billion bailout for nuclear plants. The scandal, described as Ohio's largest bribery case, has prompted ongoing scrutiny of corporate governance and regulatory practices, culminating in Householder's 2023 conviction and a $230 million fine for FirstEnergy.

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Story summary

A hung jury ended the bribery trial of former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling after six weeks.
Jurors could not reach verdict on seven charges, including a $4.3 million payment to Sam Randazzo, former Public Utilities Commission Chair.
Evidence, including FirstEnergy's prior admission of guilt in a related bribery scheme, was not disclosed to the jury.
A status conference is set for 30 days from March 31, 2026.

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