A Summit County judge has set a late-September retrial for former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and ex-lobbyist Michael Dowling after their state bribery case ended in a mistrial. Prosecutors sought more time following a death in the family of a lead attorney, but Judge Susan Baker Ross pushed to keep the case moving and made clear she wants it resolved in 2026. The men face state and federal charges tied to allegations that FirstEnergy paid a $4.3 million bribe to Ohio’s former top utility regulator.

“This case has already cast a long shadow over Ohio energy policy,” said Lindsey Short, managing director of energy and advocacy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Getting it resolved matters because manufacturers and other customers deserve a system grounded in accountability, not scandal.” 4/9/2026