Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Ohio Governor and Lieutenant Governor Facing Subpoenas in FirstEnergy Bribery Lawsuit
Ohio’s Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted have become entangled in a lawsuit filed by FirstEnergy Corp. investors. The lawsuit is connected to a $60 million bribery scheme orchestrated by the Akron-based energy giant and former House Speaker Larry Householder, who is currently serving time in prison.
According to a subpoena obtained by the Associated Press, Governor DeWine received a request for documents related to his communications with FirstEnergy, executives named in the lawsuit, and Sam Randazzo, Ohio’s former top utility regulator. The subpoena also sought information regarding Householder’s efforts to secure power, the tainted $1 billion nuclear bailout legislation, and other related topics. DeWine’s spokesperson, Dan Tierney, confirmed that the governor’s lawyers are reviewing the order.
Similarly, Lieutenant Governor Husted received a subpoena on the same date and is scheduled to be deposed in the case between February 28 and March 19. Husted’s spokesperson, Hayley Carducci, stated that the lieutenant governor has already provided public records pertaining to the lawsuit and will continue to comply with any requests.
It’s important to note that this civil lawsuit is separate from an ongoing criminal case, which resulted in the convictions of Householder, lobbyist Matt Borges, and two others. Householder was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Borges received a five-year sentence.
Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Husted have not been identified as under investigation in the criminal probe. Additionally, Sam Randazzo, who was appointed by DeWine as chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, has not been implicated in the criminal case. However, Randazzo’s Columbus townhome was searched by the FBI in November 2020.
During his confirmation hearing, Randazzo testified that Husted and Laurel Dawson, DeWine’s former chief of staff, were among those who recruited him for the position. This raised concerns among consumer and environmental advocates, as well as GOP insiders, but DeWine proceeded with the appointment.
Husted and Randazzo had a history of collaboration dating back to 2007 when Husted, then Ohio House Speaker, appointed Randazzo to the Public Utilities Commission Nominating Council. Together, they successfully opposed renewable and alternative energy mandates proposed by then-Governor Ted Strickland.
As the investigation into FirstEnergy’s bribery scheme continues, the involvement of top Ohio officials raises questions about the extent of their knowledge and potential implications for their political careers. The subpoenas and depositions indicate that the legal ramifications of the scandal are far from over.