Charles 'Chuck' Jones and Michael Dowling

Charles Jones (former CEO) and Michael Dowling (former senior vice president) of FirstEnergy Corp. were fired in October 2020 for violating company policies. They are currently defendants in a criminal bribery and corruption case regarding a $4.3 million payment to Sam Randazzo, the former chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The state alleges this payment was a bribe to influence regulatory decisions and the passage of House Bill 6. Jones and Dowling contend the funds were for a legal settlement and were stolen by Randazzo. In June 2026, both men were reindicted following a mistrial in March 2026. A judge dismissed two aggravated theft counts against them in May 2025, ruling the state could not prove theft if the company had consented to the payments. Both men also face federal racketeering charges and a civil suit filed by the SEC in 2024 alleging Jones misled stockholders. They remain innocent until proven guilty.