Former PUCO Chairman Sam Randazzo has been indicted on bribery and embezzlement charges in connection with a political bribery scandal involving Akron-based FirstEnergy. The investigation, considered the largest political bribery scandal in Ohio history, has already led to the sentencing of former House Speaker Larry Householder and former Ohio GOP Chairman Matt Borges.
FirstEnergy has fired top executives, signed a deferred prosecution agreement, and admitted to paying Randazzo a $4.3 million bribe. The indictment alleges that Randazzo received over $4.3 million from an energy company in exchange for favorable actions through PUCO proceedings.
Randazzo is also accused of embezzling at least a million dollars meant for an association of large, industrial energy users in Ohio through his consulting business. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The FBI has described the alleged scheme as a public regulatory official ignoring Ohio consumers to take a bribe from an energy company. Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Maureen Willis called for reforms to the PUCO selection process following the indictment, emphasizing the need for justice for Ohio utility consumers. The scandal has led to heightened scrutiny of Ohio officials, with subpoenas issued to Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted in a civil suit related to the bribery scandal.
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