Investigations, lawsuits, and prosecutions related to the 2019 House Bill 6 scandal in Ohio are progressing slowly, with hurdles such as the need for immunity against federal prosecution hindering progress. U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker’s office won convictions and agreements related to the scandal but did not prosecute individual FirstEnergy officials, leaving that to the state. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio restarted investigations into the scandal, but witnesses are refusing to testify due to fears of federal prosecution.
The scandal, involving bribery and racketeering, centered around a bailout for two nuclear plants owned by FirstEnergy, with provisions benefiting the company and others. The continued presence of some of these provisions has cost Ohio ratepayers over $402 million. To ensure transparency, Parker’s office should offer immunity to witnesses testifying on the scandal to unjam the investigations.
State prosecutors have also expressed interest in expanding their investigations into the scandal, signaling a potential for further prosecutions. Ohioans deserve to know the full extent of the corruption that allowed FirstEnergy to influence decision-making at the Statehouse and PUCO. By granting immunity to witnesses, the U.S. Attorney’s office can help facilitate the investigations and bring clarity to a scandal that has raised concerns about the influence of corporations on legislative and regulatory processes.
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