Former Ohio Utility Chair Sam Randazzo Dies by Suicide While Facing Bribery Charges

Sam Randazzo, former chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, has died by suicide amidst state and federal charges related to a utility scandal involving alleged bribery and misconduct with Akron-based FirstEnergy. The scandal involved over $60 million in bribes paid by FirstEnergy in exchange for a $1.3 billion ratepayer bailout. Randazzo, who was also an energy consultant, was accused of secretly receiving payments from FirstEnergy while serving as a regulator and helping draft bailout legislation. His death comes after other figures involved in the scandal have faced legal consequences, including former House Speaker Larry Householder and lobbyist Neil Clark.