Overview
- Deliberations began Tuesday in Akron after two days of closing arguments in the six-week trial.
- Prosecutors argue the executives paid Randazzo through a sham consulting agreement to secure legislative and regulatory favors.
- Defense attorneys say the payment was a lawful settlement for IEU-Ohio clients and contend Randazzo misappropriated the money.
- Jones and Dowling face state charges including corruption, bribery, conspiracy and aggravated theft, and both have pleaded not guilty.
- Context for the case includes FirstEnergy’s 2021 admission to underwriting a $60 million scheme and prior convictions tied to House Bill 6, details the jury did not hear.