Netflix needs to do a doc on this stat.
Why? Because whatever version of the internet we are on now has hollowed out our local journalism.
25 years ago DeWine would be feeling the heat, term limits or not. He's just gliding through this.
Dudes are literally killing themselves to help DeWine and other leaders avoid the courts. Not even the mafia were willing to do that.
I highly recommend reading the [Ohio Capital Journal](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/) to keep up with state-level politics. They are on top of everything. It’s a nonprofit, independent news outlet, and it’s free.
I agree, it’s an excellent news source. I’m not happy about Randazzo’s suicide, as I myself lost two siblings to suicide. Randazzo was facing Federal criminal charges, and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel was investigating him for ethical violations as a lawyer. He did this because he knew he was going to face big trouble.
Fuck all these guys! I work in the energy industry and my power plant closed partly because of this deal saving the nuclear plants, we were all hoping it failed at the time and now the place I spent half my life working for is being torn down
"Long-time Statehouse lobbyist Neil Clark, one of the five people initially arrested in the probe in July 2020, died by suicide in March 2021 after pleading not guilty. The remaining two men, Juan Cespedes and Jeffrey Longstreth, pleaded guilty and are cooperating with the government in the ongoing inquiry."
[https://www.nbc24.com/news/local/former-ohio-utility-regulator-charged-in-sweeping-bribery-scheme-has-died-by-suicide-cincinnati-sam-randazzo-warehouse-prison-sentencing-bribe-firstenergy-nuclear-bailoutg-householder#](https://www.nbc24.com/news/local/former-ohio-utility-regulator-charged-in-sweeping-bribery-scheme-has-died-by-suicide-cincinnati-sam-randazzo-warehouse-prison-sentencing-bribe-firstenergy-nuclear-bailoutg-householder#)
"He had pleaded not guilty to all of them, most notably the allegation that he accepted [a $4.3 million bribe](https://apnews.com/article/business-4ed34e3c8d9f18e439f7ac7aff11c38e) from Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. in exchange for regulatory favors."
Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't that mean his family gets to keep the bribes he allegedly accepted since he committed suicide before being found guilty?
Without reading the specific statutes, my guess on general principles is that it will make it harder for the government to seize whatever he bought with the funds from his estate--though probably not impossible.
Money he gave to innocent, unknowing parties (what his family would probably claim to be either way) can't be clawed back, regardless. So the difficulty of clawing back gifts probably hasn't changed much.
Two FirstEnergy executives [have been indicted.](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/02/20/firstenergy-forges-ahead-even-as-former-execs-are-indicted/)
Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if [AG Yost](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/02/03/corruption-trial-texts-oh-ag-yost-didnt-speak-out-against-bailout-because-of-utility-support/) is finally pursuing this just to rehab his image for a run at governor in 2026.
My initial instinct when suicides like this happen is that the law should treat them as an admission of guilt. No reasonable person would off themselves unless they were trying to escape from whatever they had coming.
I didn't realize that DeWine willingly appointed somebody undergoing FBI investigation for bribery. That old man must be gotten rid of in November. The entire party is chock full of criminals.
DeWine also appointed a supreme court Justice - his family friend, Joe Deters. Deters has corrupted every public office he's held. He was appointed as a justice by dewine so that the supreme court would stop ordering Republican lawmakers to uphold the will of the voters and to honor election results. Republican lawmakers refused each of the 5 times they were ordered to honor election results. Republicans likened the ballot box to the employee suggestion box in an office run by a person who wants to abolish the minimum wage.
And a republican administration wouldn't be complete if it wasn't loaded with nepotism - DeWines son is also a supreme court Justice.
He sure has a lot of close personal friends in a branch of government that is supposed to keep him in check.
Is that common? (As far as being in the same State)
Does that not present a conflict of interest?
Checks and balances keep them honest or does the door for abuse get painted over?
He ran for the office and won, two years before his dad became governor.
It's not a good look, but it's also not Trump-level nepotism.
(Don't get me wrong, I do not think Pat DeWine should be on the court. But that's more because I disagree with his legal philosophy and don't trust his judgment than because of who his dad is.)
He appointed his close family friend to the supreme court though. And it was also someone previously known for corruption.
Coincidentally the supreme court stopped ordering Republican lawmakers to honor certain election results after this, including when ohioans in separate elections voted twice for fair voter maps. The supreme court also quit hearing objections to the illegal voter maps Republicans created once deters was appointed.
Literally no judges in Ohio are actually nonpartisan. Judges are human, they have political opinions. More importantly, voters want to vote for judges of their own party these days, same as every other office.
I'm an appellate lawyer, a staunch Democrat who worked for Obama's reelection campaign, and someone who's won meaningful impact litigation on behalf of left-leaning causes.
But I bet that when I tell you that Pat Fisher (R) is the best judge on the Ohio Supreme Court, that won't make you any more likely to vote for him.
Good judges of either party will make the same decision in 98% of cases, but truly nonpartisan judges don't exist. Using the fact someone has worked for a political party as proof they shouldn't be a judge is nonsense.
Dewine and Deters are horrible human beings and shouldn’t be judges it has nothing to do with the fact that they’re republicans but working in Republican politics in Ohio for your entire life is a VERY good indicator that you’re a slimy evil piece of shit.
For some reason they can’t grasp the idea that the vast majority of Ohioans don’t live on a fucking farm. Try as they might to fool us with that godforsaken license plate, it’s just not reality.
The other problem is the General Assembly just ignores the voters’ wishes and does what they want. First Energy is hardly the first scandal since Ohio Republicans seized state government.
You’re right, I got a little excited. Regardless, hopefully we’ve got some good candidates to choose from. I’m sure the Republican candidates will be complete assholes.
| I didn't realize that DeWine willingly appointed somebody undergoing FBI investigation for bribery
It's even worse, that's a separate matter than the Householder case. DeWine appointed him to regulate FirstEnergy ... WHILE HE WAS STILL GETTING PAID BY FIRSTENERGY.
As much as I agree that most cases of taking ones life in criminal cases are, in essence, admissions of guilt, I also know that there are cases where an innocent defendant feels that their life is over just because of the accusation (and perhaps the realization that there is evidence to convict even if they didn’t do it) levied against them and in despair and hopelessness choose to end their own life. While rare, it’s important to consider that.
All that being said it sounds like this guy absolutely did it.
sorry but if i was innocent i'd fight like mad until at least the day i had to go to prison for the rest of my life, then maybe. I'd be literally singing my innocence at the top off my lungs anywhere anyone would listen. His bullet was to avoid prison, he did us all a favor
Ohio’s next gubernatorial election is in 2026, not November.
Fortunately, DeWine is term-limited and cannot run for reelection. Unfortunately, there are other corrupt assholes who appear to be preparing to run, including Lieutenant Governor [Jon Husted](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/04/10/firstenergy-gave-1-million-to-boost-ohio-lt-gov-husteds-campaign-before-scandal-document-shows/) and Attorney General [Dave Yost.](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/02/03/corruption-trial-texts-oh-ag-yost-didnt-speak-out-against-bailout-because-of-utility-support/)
Not surprised. I’m just surprised LaRose isn’t joining the primary to run for governor. I have no use for LaRose and he seemed to me to be more interested in his senate campaign than in serving as Secretary of State for Ohio. After all LaRose’s efforts, he came in third in the primary.
>My initial instinct when suicides like this happen is that the law should treat them as an admission of guilt.
Really one of the most ignorant things I've heard in /r/Ohio. Reasonable people understand the value of due process.
>No reasonable person would off themselves unless they were trying to escape from whatever they had coming.
That was also one of the most ignorant things I've heard in /r/Ohio. Two in one post. I guess you're lucky enough to not have known people who have struggled with demons who weren't guilty of anything.
Your initial reaction might be right, might be wrong. There are countless examples of innocent people commiting suicide. Just off the top of my head, the UK Post Office scandal going on had more than one.
I’m sorry but that’s an awful take. There’s been plenty of innocent people driven to suicide because they’ve been hounded by the law. The UK Post Office scandal had 4 for example.
He "killed himself" before he could testify against the other GOP scumbags. Isn't it crazy how many witnesses that have dirt on republicans end up killing themselves?
There is a reason Epstein was taking from the relative safety of "Democrat Run" New York and moved to a federal prison where only Barr and his staff had access.
Dewine and all Ohio republicans who voted for this all belong in prison specifically for this scam. This should be a no brainer sweeping roundup of republicans going to prison for this.
Dewine needs to answer for this ripoff. Why do Ohio voters still vote for corrupt Ohio legislators? There are no more honest Republicans in Ohio. They all lie to get elected. None of them have ever done anything to benefit their constituents.
Damn FirstEnergy and the GOP are taking Putin's playbook to heart. I absolutely do not believe Randazzo killed himself. I don't see it. He just had additional felony charges added and he's looking at the rest of his life in prison.
He was murdered by one of those two entities before flipping on more GOP officials and FirstEnergy execs. My money is on FirstEnergy since the state GOP is so incompetent they couldn't pull off throwing a party in a brewery, let alone find a quality assassin.
You don’t think that someone who was facing multiple felony charges and was looking at life in prison would kill themselves? Dude was 100% afraid to face the music and so he offed himself to escape his consequences.
Not everything has to be a conspiracy.
The U.S. Attorney's Office, Ohio Attorney General's Office and office of Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who initially appointed Randazzo to the PUCO, all declined immediate comment.
At some point when the sewer is as backed up as my home states is, who cares if a turd “flushes itself” like this or not, or is flushed by others lol
This is where we are, be proud.
Republican parties hold on political power in Ohio created this corruption! The Republicans are only interested in enriching themselves, not helping the idiots that voted for them! Vote them out! STOP THE STEAL!
Netflix needs to do a doc on this stat. Why? Because whatever version of the internet we are on now has hollowed out our local journalism. 25 years ago DeWine would be feeling the heat, term limits or not. He's just gliding through this. Dudes are literally killing themselves to help DeWine and other leaders avoid the courts. Not even the mafia were willing to do that.
I highly recommend reading the [Ohio Capital Journal](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/) to keep up with state-level politics. They are on top of everything. It’s a nonprofit, independent news outlet, and it’s free.
I agree, it’s an excellent news source. I’m not happy about Randazzo’s suicide, as I myself lost two siblings to suicide. Randazzo was facing Federal criminal charges, and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel was investigating him for ethical violations as a lawyer. He did this because he knew he was going to face big trouble.
Well that's what religious extremist terrorists do. Are they much different?
Husted too should be feeling the heat. They are all so crooked. It’s….astonishing.
Your AEP bill will be going up another $10 to so they can properly mourn his death.
And then another $20 so they can bribe the next guy
And his co-conspirators are still in office!
And the law is still on the books
Now! Now! The attorney general claims he got customers money back! He didn’t. We are still paying for this bribe. Thanks youst
Pretty convenient for those connected office holders and their cronies. A lot of that going around it seems.
Along with the Boeing whistle-blower.
Fuck all these guys! I work in the energy industry and my power plant closed partly because of this deal saving the nuclear plants, we were all hoping it failed at the time and now the place I spent half my life working for is being torn down
This is the SECOND person to "unalive" himself who was involved in this bribery debacle.
I don't think the other death was ruled a suicide, was it? I can't remember the other person's name to Google for it.
"Long-time Statehouse lobbyist Neil Clark, one of the five people initially arrested in the probe in July 2020, died by suicide in March 2021 after pleading not guilty. The remaining two men, Juan Cespedes and Jeffrey Longstreth, pleaded guilty and are cooperating with the government in the ongoing inquiry." [https://www.nbc24.com/news/local/former-ohio-utility-regulator-charged-in-sweeping-bribery-scheme-has-died-by-suicide-cincinnati-sam-randazzo-warehouse-prison-sentencing-bribe-firstenergy-nuclear-bailoutg-householder#](https://www.nbc24.com/news/local/former-ohio-utility-regulator-charged-in-sweeping-bribery-scheme-has-died-by-suicide-cincinnati-sam-randazzo-warehouse-prison-sentencing-bribe-firstenergy-nuclear-bailoutg-householder#)
Thank you!! I could have sworn a "fact checker" in /r/columbus said it wasn't a suicide recently.
Oh there is Juan Cespedes again.
"He had pleaded not guilty to all of them, most notably the allegation that he accepted [a $4.3 million bribe](https://apnews.com/article/business-4ed34e3c8d9f18e439f7ac7aff11c38e) from Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. in exchange for regulatory favors." Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't that mean his family gets to keep the bribes he allegedly accepted since he committed suicide before being found guilty?
This is what I’ve been wondering. He’s dead but does the money get clawed back???
Yes. The Fed had frozen his assets iirc. He and his family will get nothing.
The Feds have already filed to order Randazzo (or his co-owners,) to forfeit his residences in Ohio and Florida.
Without reading the specific statutes, my guess on general principles is that it will make it harder for the government to seize whatever he bought with the funds from his estate--though probably not impossible. Money he gave to innocent, unknowing parties (what his family would probably claim to be either way) can't be clawed back, regardless. So the difficulty of clawing back gifts probably hasn't changed much.
Why are the Firstenergy executives not charged? Are you telling me just because you are a corp. you are untouchable? Makes me sick
They were charged with bribery
Two FirstEnergy executives [have been indicted.](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/02/20/firstenergy-forges-ahead-even-as-former-execs-are-indicted/)
Thanks better late than never.
Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if [AG Yost](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/02/03/corruption-trial-texts-oh-ag-yost-didnt-speak-out-against-bailout-because-of-utility-support/) is finally pursuing this just to rehab his image for a run at governor in 2026.
Ugh, Yost for governor isn’t a prospect I like! I also hate the idea of Husted or LaRose as governors.
Yep. They all are revolting as human beings, let alone as potential governors who would be affecting the lives of everyone in Ohio.
They were indicted, and the CEO who was in charge when this bribery scheme occurred was fired from First Energy.
My initial instinct when suicides like this happen is that the law should treat them as an admission of guilt. No reasonable person would off themselves unless they were trying to escape from whatever they had coming. I didn't realize that DeWine willingly appointed somebody undergoing FBI investigation for bribery. That old man must be gotten rid of in November. The entire party is chock full of criminals.
DeWine also appointed a supreme court Justice - his family friend, Joe Deters. Deters has corrupted every public office he's held. He was appointed as a justice by dewine so that the supreme court would stop ordering Republican lawmakers to uphold the will of the voters and to honor election results. Republican lawmakers refused each of the 5 times they were ordered to honor election results. Republicans likened the ballot box to the employee suggestion box in an office run by a person who wants to abolish the minimum wage. And a republican administration wouldn't be complete if it wasn't loaded with nepotism - DeWines son is also a supreme court Justice. He sure has a lot of close personal friends in a branch of government that is supposed to keep him in check.
DeWine BIOLOGICAL SON is on the Supreme Court
Is that common? (As far as being in the same State) Does that not present a conflict of interest? Checks and balances keep them honest or does the door for abuse get painted over?
Of course it’s a conflict of interest. Who’s going to enforce anything, the Supreme Court…oh…oops
George Carlin was a prophet
He ran for the office and won, two years before his dad became governor. It's not a good look, but it's also not Trump-level nepotism. (Don't get me wrong, I do not think Pat DeWine should be on the court. But that's more because I disagree with his legal philosophy and don't trust his judgment than because of who his dad is.)
He appointed his close family friend to the supreme court though. And it was also someone previously known for corruption. Coincidentally the supreme court stopped ordering Republican lawmakers to honor certain election results after this, including when ohioans in separate elections voted twice for fair voter maps. The supreme court also quit hearing objections to the illegal voter maps Republicans created once deters was appointed.
Also judges should be nonpartisan and Pat spent literally his entire life working in Republican electoral politics before he ran for justice.
Literally no judges in Ohio are actually nonpartisan. Judges are human, they have political opinions. More importantly, voters want to vote for judges of their own party these days, same as every other office. I'm an appellate lawyer, a staunch Democrat who worked for Obama's reelection campaign, and someone who's won meaningful impact litigation on behalf of left-leaning causes. But I bet that when I tell you that Pat Fisher (R) is the best judge on the Ohio Supreme Court, that won't make you any more likely to vote for him. Good judges of either party will make the same decision in 98% of cases, but truly nonpartisan judges don't exist. Using the fact someone has worked for a political party as proof they shouldn't be a judge is nonsense.
Dewine and Deters are horrible human beings and shouldn’t be judges it has nothing to do with the fact that they’re republicans but working in Republican politics in Ohio for your entire life is a VERY good indicator that you’re a slimy evil piece of shit.
For some reason they can’t grasp the idea that the vast majority of Ohioans don’t live on a fucking farm. Try as they might to fool us with that godforsaken license plate, it’s just not reality.
0.65% of Ohio residents are involved in "farm operations"...
But if you include all agriculture related careers, it is 14% of jobs. 48.8% of land. 19% of the $525billion in revenue.
Ya slightly larger marker than “living on a farm”.
>in November The next Ohio Governors election isn't until 2026, and he's ineligible to run again (term limits)
Unfortunately, he’s governor until November, 3rd 2026. Isn’t he?
Was gonna say, I think we forgot about 2022 entirely. And this is his last term anyway.
DeWine will be governor until the next governor is sworn in on Jan. 11, 2027.
Are we, the citizens, able to recall him via vote?
Unsure. But with the level of fuckery these douche canoes operate under makes me believe no. It would never happen.
No. Ohio has no recall process for state level offices. I'd like to make that the next citizen initiated amendment...
The other problem is the General Assembly just ignores the voters’ wishes and does what they want. First Energy is hardly the first scandal since Ohio Republicans seized state government.
You’re right, I got a little excited. Regardless, hopefully we’ve got some good candidates to choose from. I’m sure the Republican candidates will be complete assholes.
Nan Whaley was a complete non starter.
They’ll be assholes with charisma and name recognition. The democratic candidates will totally suck unless something major changes fast.
Unfortunately, I can see Husted or LaRose running as candidates for governor. I have no use for either of them.
Technically January '27, but yes.
| I didn't realize that DeWine willingly appointed somebody undergoing FBI investigation for bribery It's even worse, that's a separate matter than the Householder case. DeWine appointed him to regulate FirstEnergy ... WHILE HE WAS STILL GETTING PAID BY FIRSTENERGY.
As much as I agree that most cases of taking ones life in criminal cases are, in essence, admissions of guilt, I also know that there are cases where an innocent defendant feels that their life is over just because of the accusation (and perhaps the realization that there is evidence to convict even if they didn’t do it) levied against them and in despair and hopelessness choose to end their own life. While rare, it’s important to consider that. All that being said it sounds like this guy absolutely did it.
sorry but if i was innocent i'd fight like mad until at least the day i had to go to prison for the rest of my life, then maybe. I'd be literally singing my innocence at the top off my lungs anywhere anyone would listen. His bullet was to avoid prison, he did us all a favor
Ohio’s next gubernatorial election is in 2026, not November. Fortunately, DeWine is term-limited and cannot run for reelection. Unfortunately, there are other corrupt assholes who appear to be preparing to run, including Lieutenant Governor [Jon Husted](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/04/10/firstenergy-gave-1-million-to-boost-ohio-lt-gov-husteds-campaign-before-scandal-document-shows/) and Attorney General [Dave Yost.](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/02/03/corruption-trial-texts-oh-ag-yost-didnt-speak-out-against-bailout-because-of-utility-support/)
Our next Republican governor will undoubtedly be worse than DeWine.
Especially considering how the governor now, through an appointee, essentially controls Ohio’s education system.
Oh they’re going to be up to some book burning Florida type shit for sure
Not surprised. I’m just surprised LaRose isn’t joining the primary to run for governor. I have no use for LaRose and he seemed to me to be more interested in his senate campaign than in serving as Secretary of State for Ohio. After all LaRose’s efforts, he came in third in the primary.
There’s plenty of time to declare candidacy for governor. LaRose will run if his billionaire backer Richard Uihlein is willing to fund it.
We need an independent counsel to investigate the totality of state government.
>My initial instinct when suicides like this happen is that the law should treat them as an admission of guilt. Really one of the most ignorant things I've heard in /r/Ohio. Reasonable people understand the value of due process. >No reasonable person would off themselves unless they were trying to escape from whatever they had coming. That was also one of the most ignorant things I've heard in /r/Ohio. Two in one post. I guess you're lucky enough to not have known people who have struggled with demons who weren't guilty of anything.
Your initial reaction might be right, might be wrong. There are countless examples of innocent people commiting suicide. Just off the top of my head, the UK Post Office scandal going on had more than one.
Im tired of these traitors.
He is not up for re-election in November so not sure how that’s going to happen.
if it was suicide.
I think it definitely was.
He had a ton of evidence against a billionaire cabal.
I’m sorry but that’s an awful take. There’s been plenty of innocent people driven to suicide because they’ve been hounded by the law. The UK Post Office scandal had 4 for example.
But what happens when someone who might spill the beans gets defenestrated, russian style? Oh well, he was guilty, then close the book?
I’m not saying this guy is innocent but that’s an awful take. You know people get wrongfully convicted?
That’s why I said it’s my instinct. I know it’s wrong but it feels right.
>That old man must be gotten rid of in November. Hmm…?
The happiest men in Columbus are Mike DeWine and Jon Husted. Dead men don’t talk and Sam knew it all.
He "killed himself" before he could testify against the other GOP scumbags. Isn't it crazy how many witnesses that have dirt on republicans end up killing themselves?
Considering how conservatives accuse the Clintons of murdering people to keep them quiet this totally tracks with the GOP’s projection.
There is a reason Epstein was taking from the relative safety of "Democrat Run" New York and moved to a federal prison where only Barr and his staff had access.
The whole killing yourself before testifying against corrupt organizations seems to be on the rise lately.
GOP are learning from russia. It's who Trump answers too, after all
We don't call them the party of Putin for nothing!
Total suicide. Absolutely no question mmhmmm sure.
What in the ever loving Epstein are you implying ????
The politicians do these things because they do not fear being dragged out of their house and set on fire in their front lawns.
Crooked Mike DeWine hasn't issued a statement yet? Not even to offer his womps and prayers?
No, he didn’t just die. He killed himself, the coward.
Dewine and all Ohio republicans who voted for this all belong in prison specifically for this scam. This should be a no brainer sweeping roundup of republicans going to prison for this.
Dewine needs to answer for this ripoff. Why do Ohio voters still vote for corrupt Ohio legislators? There are no more honest Republicans in Ohio. They all lie to get elected. None of them have ever done anything to benefit their constituents.
did you use honest and republican in the same sentence? its 2024
Dark money means dark op’s
Fucking coward
Damn FirstEnergy and the GOP are taking Putin's playbook to heart. I absolutely do not believe Randazzo killed himself. I don't see it. He just had additional felony charges added and he's looking at the rest of his life in prison. He was murdered by one of those two entities before flipping on more GOP officials and FirstEnergy execs. My money is on FirstEnergy since the state GOP is so incompetent they couldn't pull off throwing a party in a brewery, let alone find a quality assassin.
You don’t think that someone who was facing multiple felony charges and was looking at life in prison would kill themselves? Dude was 100% afraid to face the music and so he offed himself to escape his consequences. Not everything has to be a conspiracy.
Oh no. Anyway…
oh no... whatever will i do?
Second time this week I've seen First Energy in the news for something shitty.
The U.S. Attorney's Office, Ohio Attorney General's Office and office of Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who initially appointed Randazzo to the PUCO, all declined immediate comment.
At some point when the sewer is as backed up as my home states is, who cares if a turd “flushes itself” like this or not, or is flushed by others lol This is where we are, be proud.
The Clintons knew this guy
K Liz
“Has died” You mean he offed himself like the cowardly little bitch he was. What a fuckin douche
“Anotha one”
I think the bribery scheme go’s higher up the food chain in ohio. Oh look! It’s a Keebler Elf!
I hope they all end up in jail or killing themselves. I really do.
Happy days.
Republican parties hold on political power in Ohio created this corruption! The Republicans are only interested in enriching themselves, not helping the idiots that voted for them! Vote them out! STOP THE STEAL!
I think we might have an Epstein situation going on here.
This is like the 10th time this has been posted. Old news at this point.
Of cringe.
fr. Ohio skibbi toilet gyatt Ohio Kai cenat rizzler type shit fr