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Last week, Ohioans learned another significant figure has been indicted in the bribery scandal that exposed the dark side of Columbus politics.
Former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Sam Randazzo was indicted by a federal grand jury on bribery and embezzlement charges for his alleged part in what federal prosecutors have called the largest political bribery scandal in state history.
As part of an agreement, FirstEnergy has said two of its former executives paid Randazzo $4.3 million ahead of his appointment by Gov. Mike DeWine to be the top state regulator overseeing FirstEnergy. Randazzo was allegedly part of a plot that also included Former House Speaker Larry Householder and former state GOP Chairman Matt Borges.
FirstEnergy's efforts eventually yielded a $1.3 billion bailout.
Because of the deal struck that FirstEnergy would admit wrongdoing and commit to paying a $230 million fine, prosecutors appear to have a great deal of evidence against Randazzo, including texts along the lines of: "I spoke with Sam today. Told me 2024 issue will be handled next Thursday."
Randazzo was likely one of a few people in Columbus who were all too eager to put their own interests ahead of Ohioans.
"Public officials … are tasked with upholding the highest level of integrity in their duties and responsibilities. Such service to the public must be selfless, not selfish," U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker said.
Should he be found guilty, Randazzo, too must face a harsh sentence for his intentional harming of Ohioans in the name of filling his own pockets.