‘They bought people.’ Opening arguments begin in FirstEnergy corruption trial

By: Morgan Trau

Outlets: Ohio Capital Journal

Published: February 4, 2026

Words: 1,508

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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During opening statements on Tuesday, tensions ran high as the state argued that utility giant FirstEnergy’s former executives defrauded Ohioans by bribing a public official to help their struggling company. The defense is blaming a dead man for any wrongdoing.

In a packed courtroom in Summit County, jurors were told the next six weeks would unfold like a movie.

“It’s about greed,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew Meyer said. “It’s about corporate greed, and it’s about …

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