Two former executives of FirstEnergy Corp., Charles E. Jones and Michael Dowling, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to a racketeering conspiracy involving over $60 million in bribery schemes. The indictment was returned on January 15 and made public today.
Jones, aged 69 from Akron, and Dowling, aged 60 from Massillon, are accused of engaging in illegal activities including bribery, money laundering, and obstruction to benefit FirstEnergy's stock price and their own financial interests. Both are scheduled to appear in federal court in Cincinnati.
The indictment outlines how the two allegedly used their positions at FirstEnergy to further a RICO conspiracy by corrupting the company for personal gain. Jones served as President and CEO of FirstEnergy until his termination in 2020, during which he earned around $65 million, largely performance-based tied to stock prices. Dowling was a Senior Vice President until his termination the same year.
The document details alleged bribery schemes involving former Ohio House Representative Larry Householder and former PUCO Chairman Samuel Randazzo. It claims that between 2017 and March 2020, FirstEnergy paid more than $59 million to Generation Now, a group controlled by Householder. This bribe money purportedly helped him become Speaker of the House and pass House Bill 6, benefiting FirstEnergy with a nuclear plant bailout.
Jones and Dowling allegedly used another entity called Energy Pass-Through to direct funds from FirstEnergy to Generation Now and other entities linked with public officials. The indictment also mentions efforts by Jones and Dowling to influence state public utilities board appointments favorably towards FirstEnergy.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker emphasized accountability following previous convictions related to this case: “This indictment is yet another step in the direction of that accountability.” FBI Cincinnati Special Agent Elena Iatarola stated that the alleged conspiracy defrauded Ohioans for the defendants' enrichment.
If convicted on these charges, both men face up to 20 years in prison. The legal proceedings will be handled by Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew C. Singer representing the United States.
It is important to note that an indictment contains allegations only; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
