“Former PUCO Chairman Randazzo charged in 11-count indictment related to HB 6 scandal”
On December 4, 2023, former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Chairman Sam
Randazzo was charged in an 11-count indictment related to the $61 million scandal surrounding
House Bill 6, uncovered in July of 2020.
The FBI and US Attorney’s office remained vigilant in their ongoing investigation of Randazzo’s
alleged crimes involving fraud and embezzlement, some of which are just coming to light through the indictments.
While this indictment was a long time coming, there is hope it will be a step forward in clearing the cloud of corruption hanging over energy policy in Ohio and ending the cycle of deceit perpetrated by FirstEnergy and their allies.
The 11 counts against Randazzo include: one count of conspiring to commit travel act bribery and honest services wire fraud, two counts of travel act bribery, two counts of
honest services wire fraud, one count of wire fraud and five counts of making illegal monetary transactions, according to the release.
How did we get here?
For years, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has been stacked against the consumers of our state. It has instead been focused more on increasing the profits of Ohio’s regulated utilities and offering opportunities for individuals to line their own pockets at the expense of our families.
In July 2020, the US Attorney’s office shined the spotlight on
long-standing issues surrounding energy policy issues in Ohio.
The $61 million bribery and corruption scandal around House Bill 6 remained in the spotlight through the trial and sentencing of former House Speaker Larry Householder and former GOP Party Chairman Matt Borges. Householder was found guilty and is currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison, while Borgess was also found guilty and is serving a 5-year sentence.
While political operatives Juan Cespedes and Jeffrey Longstreth have entered guilty pleas but have not been sentenced.
No FirstEnergy official has been indicted at this time.
Now, three years and multiple prison sentences later, the lack of transparency and undue influence of regulated utilities remains.
There are still no PUCO Commissioners with consumer advocacy experience. Our energy policies remain the worst in the nation.
The Rise and Fall of Sam Randazzo
Through a deferred prosecution agreement accepted by FirstEnergy Corporation, evidence has been made public of a $4.3 million bribe paid to former PUCO Chairman Sam Randazzo. The paper trail shows Randazzo received this payment “at the request or for the benefit of FirstEnergy as a consequence of receiving such payment.”
Emails obtained by the FBI also show that Randazzo worked on House Bill 6, the nuclear and coal bailout bill that gutted the state’s renewable energy programs, and fought against a citizen-led referendum effort while leading the PUCO.
A Timeline of Corruption
February 4th
June 5th
May 21, 2020
August 13th
November 16th
July 22nd
August 3, 2022
December 4, 2023
Randazzo indicted for bribery & embezzlement
Sam Randazzo, who previously chaired the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, has been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, wire fraud and other crimes linked to Ohio’s ongoing corruption scandal, along with embezzlement charges.
More Breaking News Everyday
Ohioans deserve a PUCO Commissioner with:
- A history of integrity without the risk of even the appearance of impropriety.
- A history of working within the community and embracing justice.
- A plan to demand transparency from regulated utilities.
- An understanding of energy trends and clean energy development opportunities.
- No current or previous connections to regulated utilities.
- No background of lobbying for or having financial ties to utility companies.
Take Action
Share this campaign.
