Juror says majority believed guilt in deadlocked bribery trial of ex-FirstEnergy executives

A jury in the bribery trial of former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling announced it was deadlocked Tuesday after nearly two weeks of deliberations, leaving the high-profile case tied to Ohio’s House Bill 6 scandal without a verdict. Mark Baughman was one of the 12 jurors. “Everyone was disappointed that we didn't come to a verdict,” said Baughman. “There were people who said that they weren't going to change their mind. So, you know, we decided that, you know, there's nothing more that we could do.” The jury consisted of seven women and five men. The seven-week trial involved testimony from 30 witnesses and the introduction of 600 exhibits. Jones and Dowling faced multiple charges — including bribery and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity — related to efforts to influence decisions connected to Ohio House Bill 6, which provided a $1.3 billion bailout to two aging nuclear power plants (including one in Lake County). -- Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity -- Aggravated theft of $1.5 million or more (two counts) -- Telecommunications fraud (two counts) -- Conspiracy -- Bribery -- Tampering with records (two counts against Dowling) Baughman told reporters depending on the charge, “the biggest difference was eight to four at but it did turn into a 10 to two.” “Most people thought they were guilty,” said Baughman. 3News' Natalie Clydesdale reports: https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/akron/house-bill-6-scandal-bribery-trial-former-firstenergy-leaders-juror-ohio-deadlocked-jury-majority-guilty/95-6893462c-18b9-4610-b0d6-523169162b63 At 3News, we’re here to share the stories that matter most to you. Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns and engage in conversations about the communities in which we all call home. Follow 3News on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wkyc.channel3/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wkyc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wkyc3/ Visit our site: https://www.wkyc.com/ And be sure to download our app here: https://wkyc.com/app