Overview
- Opening statements began Tuesday in Akron for former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and ex-lobbyist Michael Dowling, with a trial expected to run about two months.
- Prosecutors framed the case as driven by corporate and personal greed, alleging the payment bought Randazzo’s help on HB 6, a halted PUCO rate review, and rulings that boosted FirstEnergy’s profits.
- Defense attorneys said the money stemmed from a 2015 settlement for clients Randazzo once represented, arguing it was vetted by company lawyers and that Randazzo stole it rather than delivering a favor.
- A key evidentiary fight over an email sent two hours after a Dowling–Randazzo call prompted prosecutors to warn of a possible appeal that could delay the proceedings, with Judge Susan Baker Ross set to rule.
- Jurors will be barred from hearing about FirstEnergy’s prior plea and the Householder prosecution, while prosecutors plan to present messages referencing the $4,333,333 figure and related texts between the parties.