FirstEnergy Bribery Trial: Timing of Payment to Randazzo
Cleveland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · The Daily News Now!
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Show Notes
In the FirstEnergy bribery trial, a jury grapples with the timing of a payment to former PUCO chair Sam Randazzo. The key question: does Ohios bribery law apply if the money was given before he even applied for the public job? The payment was made in December 2018 and January 2019, while Randazzo submitted his application in January 2019. Ohio law states bribes can occur before or after someone becomes a public servant, even before they apply. Defense lawyers argue Randazzo was not yet a public official when the payment was made, claiming it was a settlement, not a bribe. Prosecutors counter, pointing to the laws wording and FirstEnergy execs knowledge of Randazzos likely PUCO role after a December 2018 dinner with incoming Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. Judge Susan Baker Ross instructs jurors to determine the facts, as control over the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio is a significant factor in this case.
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