Judge Dismisses Theft Charges Against Former FirstEnergy Executives

COLUMBUS, Ohio—A Summit County judge has dismissed theft charges against former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Mike Dowling. The two were accused of bribing Ohio regulator Sam Randazzo to gain favorable treatment for the Akron-based electric utility.

Despite this dismissal, both Jones and Dowling still face over two dozen felony charges tied to the bribery scandal, which carries the possibility of significant prison time upon conviction. Prosecutors allege that in early 2019, the executives paid a hefty $4.3 million bribe to Randazzo, who was the chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio at the time. Both men have denied wrongdoing.

Initially, the case against Jones and Dowling included claims that their actions constituted theft against FirstEnergy by using company funds for the bribe. However, the prosecution also argued that the executives acted in the company’s interest, as FirstEnergy had reached an agreement to avoid its own prosecution.

Judge Susan Baker Ross ruled against the theft charges, stating that prosecutors’ claims indicated the payments made to Randazzo were done with FirstEnergy’s consent and aimed at benefiting the company. “The State cannot now turn around and claim that Defendants were acting beyond the scope of FirstEnergy’s express or implied consent,” Ross explained.

Additionally, the ruling dismissed some charges related to engaging in a corrupt pattern of activity but did not clear Jones and Dowling of all accusations. They still face charges of first-degree felony bribery and telecommunications fraud, as well as various other serious offenses including money laundering.

Furthermore, the executives are implicated in arranging $60 million in bribes to former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder to secure benefits from House Bill 6, a controversial 2019 law aimed at reducing energy costs for FirstEnergy. Both Jones and Dowling, alongside Randazzo, were indicted in April 2024.