FirstEnergy Trial Tracker

Key causes of mistrial in execs' $4.3M bribe trial, despite company's bribery admissions and $500M+ penalties:

• Excluded evidence: Judge barred...

Post-mistrial momentum: Hung jury after 9 days in Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling trial; Judge Ross to rule later.

• Yost's resolve: Rejects defense...

Forewoman's near-conviction push stalled by two holdouts on the pivotal bribery charge, blocking all verdicts after 9 days.

• Burning question: 'What...

Post-mistrial ruling advances case:

• Judge Susan Baker Ross denied acquittal motion on all charges and declared mistrial.
• Ordered new acquittal...

Jury Deadlock Announcement

• 🔥 Jury Note Read Aloud: Jurors announced they could not reach a consensus on any charges after extended...

Jury impasse confirmed: After six weeks of testimony and days of deliberations, jurors announced they "cannot come to a consensus on any charges"...

After nine days of deliberations, the jury reached a verdict in the corruption trial for two former FirstEnergy executives charged in the Ohio House Bill 6 bribery scandal. A pivotal resolution in this high-stakes case.

Key developments in FirstEnergy HB6 trial deliberations:

• Friday mishap: Two exhibits accidentally reached jury; Judge Ross ordered disregard and...

Latest courtroom update: Ex-FirstEnergy execs Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling returned March 26 as Judge Susan Baker Ross reread page 2 instructions...

Jury asks 2 more questions during FirstEnergy bribery trial deliberations, per Akron Beacon Journal update from the Akron courtroom. Latest sign of ongoing jury review.

Jury Deadlock Announcement

• 🔥 Deadlocked on Bribery Charges: Jurors told the judge they cannot reach agreement on whether FirstEnergy executives...

Trial timeline hits deadlock after key phases:

• Prosecution wraps Thursday after 5 weeks, 24 witnesses: Irene Prezelj testified Jones secured...

In a high-profile trial, a Summit County judge on Monday withheld a jury question from the public during deliberations on two former FirstEnergy executives accused of bribing a state regulator.

Key update in Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling trial: Jury at 24 hours of deliberations, no verdict yet—resuming Monday morning.

• Single jury...

Jury Deliberations

• 🔥 Question on Bribery Law: Jurors asked the judge if the 'before' in Ohio’s bribery law applies if the public servant has...

Trial resumed Feb. 17 with witness questioning of ex-execs on bribery scheme involving $4.3M to Sam Randazzo.

• Prosecutors reject dismissal motion:...

Wednesday's key hearing highlights from Lt. Gov. Jon Husted's virtual testimony as defense witness:

• Uncomfortable start: Deadpan "Thrilled" when...

Key jury question on Day 1 of deliberations: Does Ohio bribery law's "before" apply if Randazzo hadn't applied for PUCO chair yet?

• Judge's ruling:...

Key testimony from first defense witness Jason Rafeld (ex-PUCO chief of staff):

• Described March 2016 celebration at steakhouse and Char Bar with FE...

Closing arguments wrapped March 17; jury deliberations start March 18 on whether ex-FirstEnergy execs Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling bribed Sam...