Ohio Corruption Scandal: The $4.3 Million Bribe That Shook the State 

Ohio, a state known for its hardworking people and deep-seated values, finds itself entangled in a web of corruption at the highest levels of government. Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted stand accused of orchestrating and facilitating a scheme involving the appointment of Sam Randazzo as Chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and the illegal $4.3 million payment made to him by FirstEnergy. This timeline outlines the scandal, exposes the key players, and identifies every state and federal law violated in this disgraceful chapter of Ohio’s history. 

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Timeline of Corruption: The $4.3 Million Bribe 

December 17-18, 2018: 

Sam Randazzo begins discussions with FirstEnergy executives about the open PUCO position. During these talks, Randazzo outlines his terms: a $4.3 million payment, to be distributed from 2019 to 2024. 

December 19, 2018: 

Within 24 hours, FirstEnergy executives agree to pay the full $4.3 million upfront. This demonstrates confidence in Randazzo’s eventual appointment, raising questions about assurances provided by state officials. 

December 31, 2018: 

FirstEnergy sends the $4.3 million to Randazzo, who receives it on January 2, 2019, before he officially applies for the PUCO position. 

January 17, 2019: 

Randazzo submits his application for the PUCO vacancy weeks after receiving the payment. 

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Key Questions Raised 

1. How did FirstEnergy know Randazzo would be appointed before he even applied? 

2. Who assured FirstEnergy that the $4.3 million payment would secure Randazzo’s appointment? 

3. Why did Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Husted play pivotal roles in recruiting Randazzo? 

The answers point to a coordinated scheme involving FirstEnergy and senior officials in Ohio's government. 

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Evidence of DeWine and Husted’s Involvement 

November 2018: Dinner with FirstEnergy Executives 

Shortly after their election, DeWine and Husted attended a dinner with FirstEnergy executives. Following this meeting, FirstEnergy's CEO texted Randazzo, confirming discussions about the PUCO position. 

Recruitment Admissions 

During his confirmation hearing, Randazzo admitted he was recruited for the PUCO position by Lieutenant Governor Husted and Governor DeWine’s Chief of Staff, Laurel Dawson. 

Text Messages 

Text messages between FirstEnergy executives reveal that DeWine’s inner circle was aware of and involved in Randazzo’s appointment. One message referenced "four people in [State Official 1]'s world" knowing about the plan. “State Official 1” is identified as Governor DeWine. 

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Crimes Committed by DeWine and Husted 

State Crimes (Ohio Revised Code): 

1. Bribery (2921.02): Soliciting or accepting a bribe in exchange for official actions. 

2. Tampering with Records (2913.42): Falsifying records to conceal the $4.3 million payment. 

3. Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity (2923.32): Violating state racketeering laws by coordinating with FirstEnergy. 

4. Dereliction of Duty (2921.44): Failing to fulfill official responsibilities by prioritizing corporate interests. 

5. Having an Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract (2921.42): Using public office to secure financial benefits for Randazzo and FirstEnergy. 

Federal Crimes (United States Code): 

1. Bribery of Public Officials (18 U.S. Code 201): Facilitating or accepting a bribe related to official duties. 

2. Honest Services Fraud (18 U.S. Code 1346): Depriving Ohioans of their right to honest governance. 

3. Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S. Code 1349): Coordinating interstate financial transactions for the $4.3 million payment. 

4. Racketeering (RICO) (18 U.S. Code 1962): Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. 

5. Obstruction of Justice (18 U.S. Code 1503): Interfering with investigations. 

6. Money Laundering (18 U.S. Code 1956): Facilitating illegal financial transactions to disguise the source of funds. 

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Fallout: Corruption’s Cost 

Once appointed as PUCO Chair, Randazzo advanced FirstEnergy’s legislative agenda, including House Bill 6, which provided massive subsidies to the company. Governor DeWine’s team even arranged flights for legislators to secure votes for the bill. 

The pressure of the scandal led to tragic consequences, with lobbyist Neil Clark and Randazzo dying by suicide. These deaths underscore the immense moral corruption and human toll of this case. 

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Conclusion: A Call for Accountability 

The evidence against Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted is overwhelming. From their dinner with FirstEnergy executives to their direct involvement in Randazzo’s recruitment and appointment, they have betrayed the trust of Ohioans. Their actions constitute a breach of ethics and a series of state and federal crimes. 

Ohioans deserve leaders who prioritize public service over corporate greed. It is imperative that state and federal authorities conduct a thorough investigation and hold all involved accountable. Only through transparency and justice can Ohio’s government begin to restore trust. 

Stay tuned to The Exposer for further updates. We are committed to revealing the truth—no matter how powerful the individuals involved may be.