Ohio’s former top utility regulator, Sam Randazzo, surrendered on Monday in connection with a $60 million bribery scheme related to a legislative bailout for two Ohio nuclear power plants. Randazzo, who was the former chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, was charged in an 11-count indictment that was returned on Nov. 29. The indictment alleges that Randazzo took a bribe from an energy company in exchange for favors, ignoring the Ohio consumers he was supposed to be protecting.
The 74-year-old faces multiple charges, including conspiring to commit travel act bribery, wire fraud, and making illegal monetary transactions. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. The indictment is part of the larger corruption case in Ohio, which also led to former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder receiving a 20-year prison sentence.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Maureen Willis stated that the indictment is an important step towards bringing justice to Ohio utility consumers. She also emphasized the need for reform in the PUCO selection process to prevent similar instances in the future.
FirstEnergy, the company involved in the bribery scheme, admitted to its role in the scandal as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The company agreed to pay $230 million in penalties and implement reforms to avoid criminal charges.
The indictment against Randazzo is the latest development in the ongoing case, which has been labeled as the largest corruption case in Ohio history. Prosecutors allege that the bribery scheme involved using secret funds to influence political candidates and pass legislation benefiting the energy company involved.
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