Ohio Citizen Action comments on new indictments related to HB 6, FirstEnergy executives
By Rachael Belz
CEO
Ohio Citizen Action
Columbus – Nearly four years after the news first broke of the $61 million bribery and racketeering scandal surrounding House Bill 6, the indictments of former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and former Senior Vice President of External Affairs Michael Dowling are critical and long-overdue steps forward in bringing justice for the people of Ohio.
“The Jones Racket,” as they were dubbed by Attorney General David Yost, were instrumental in authorizing millions of dollars of bribes to former Public Utilities Commission Chairman Sam Randazzo, who faced additional charges today, as well. All told, a combined 27 felony counts have been issued against the three.
The days of FirstEnergy executives denying their wrongdoing and escaping justice may finally come to an end, yet Ohio consumers continue to pay for the coal plant subsidies secured through illegal bribes and intimidation.
At what point do the leaders of Ohio face the truth – those responsible for the dollars flowing around House Bill 6 and the attack on the regulatory structure that accompanied it may have been exposed, but no changes have resulted that protect consumers or the credibility of our state government.
Today’s news is welcomed and appreciated, but it would seem there is still work to be done to help restore trust and end the cycle of deceit perpetrated by FirstEnergy and their allies.
Ohio Citizen Action will continue to watch as these proceedings unfold and extend our gratitude to the Ohio Attorney General’s office and local Summit County officials for their steadfast commitment to bringing all those behind this travesty to justice.