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Former JEA CEO convicted of federal fraud, conspiracy files motion for new trial, other relief
Read full article: Former JEA CEO convicted of federal fraud, conspiracy files motion for new trial, other reliefFormer JEA CEO Aaron Zahn was found guilty by a federal jury on Friday of attempting to defraud the city-owned utility.
Are there any lessons learned after Jacksonville came close to losing one of its most important entities...JEA?
Read full article: Are there any lessons learned after Jacksonville came close to losing one of its most important entities...JEA?Now that the JEA scandal has finally concluded with a federal trial leading to the conviction of the public utility’s former CEO Aaron Zahn, there’s one question that still lingers:
Looking back at former mayor’s ties to proposed JEA sale after former utility CEO’s conviction
Read full article: Looking back at former mayor’s ties to proposed JEA sale after former utility CEO’s convictionFormer Chief Executive Officer of JEA, Aaron Zahn, found guilty of conspiracy and wire fraud on Friday and could spend 25 years in prison. His Chief Financial Officer, Ryan Wannemacher, was found not guilty. Those who were on hand when the proposed sale of JEA was beginning to play out, are starting to speak out.
Former JEA CEO found guilty in federal fraud, conspiracy case; former CFO found not guilty
Read full article: Former JEA CEO found guilty in federal fraud, conspiracy case; former CFO found not guiltyFormer JEA CEO Aaron Zahn was found guilty by a federal jury on Friday of attempting to defraud the city-owned utility.
After jury reaches a verdict for Zahn, deliberations continue for second JEA exec accused of conspiracy, fraud
Read full article: After jury reaches a verdict for Zahn, deliberations continue for second JEA exec accused of conspiracy, fraudOne of the two juries reached a verdict in the federal trial of former JEA executives accused of conspiracy and fraud.
One jury reaches verdict in federal trial of former JEA executives accused of conspiracy, fraud
Read full article: One jury reaches verdict in federal trial of former JEA executives accused of conspiracy, fraudJuries on Thursday are set to begin deliberating the fates of Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher.
Day by day: A look back at the testimony from key witnesses in the trial of two former JEA execs
Read full article: Day by day: A look back at the testimony from key witnesses in the trial of two former JEA execsJurors in the trial of former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher are now considering the testimony of more than 30 witnesses, which they heard over the course of 14 days of court proceedings, as they deliberate whether the two men are guilty or not guilty of conspiracy and wire fraud.
Juries begin deliberations in federal trial of former JEA executives accused of conspiracy, fraud
Read full article: Juries begin deliberations in federal trial of former JEA executives accused of conspiracy, fraudJuries on Thursday are set to begin deliberating the fates of Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher.
Closing arguments wrap in federal conspiracy trial of former JEA executives
Read full article: Closing arguments wrap in federal conspiracy trial of former JEA executivesThe men are charged with conspiracy and wire fraud in connection with a proposed bonus plan that prosecutors said could have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars had the utility been sold.
Courtroom cleared of public, media for part of last day of testimony in trial of former JEA execs facing fraud charges
Read full article: Courtroom cleared of public, media for part of last day of testimony in trial of former JEA execs facing fraud chargesIt was the final day of testimony in the case against former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher who are accused of conspiracy and wire fraud in connection with a proposed bonus plan that prosecutors said could have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars if the utility had been sold.
Federal prosecutors rest case against former JEA executives accused in fraud scheme
Read full article: Federal prosecutors rest case against former JEA executives accused in fraud schemeFederal prosecutors rested their case just after noon on Monday after calling their final two witnesses in their case against former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher who are accused of conspiracy and wire fraud.
Former JEA board member declines to answer more than two dozen questions related to trial of former JEA executives
Read full article: Former JEA board member declines to answer more than two dozen questions related to trial of former JEA executivesCamille Lee-Johnson, the only remaining JEA board member who voted at the July 23, 2019 meeting who has not yet testified at the trial of former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher, invoked her Fifth Amendment right 26 times during a hearing to determine whether she and two other witnesses would be allowed to testify in front of the juries at the trial.
Former Curry staffer says he had no idea about the potential for huge bonus payouts, a continuing theme in JEA trial
Read full article: Former Curry staffer says he had no idea about the potential for huge bonus payouts, a continuing theme in JEA trialTestimony on Thursday was the first time juries heard from a member of former Mayor Lenny Curry’s staff in the federal case against former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn and former CFO Ryan Wannemacher, who are accused of orchestrating what some are calling the largest attempt to defraud the city of Jacksonville.
City lawyer testifies she saw issues with controversial bonus plan for JEA execs, even though she was set to benefit
Read full article: City lawyer testifies she saw issues with controversial bonus plan for JEA execs, even though she was set to benefitOn Tuesday, city attorneys who worked with JEA on those plans testified they were not aware of how much money executives could make even though one of them could have made millions off of the plan.
JEA pushed for accelerated plan to sell utility to alter the narrative after public backlash, investment banker says
Read full article: JEA pushed for accelerated plan to sell utility to alter the narrative after public backlash, investment banker saysMonday marked Day 9 in the federal trial against former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn and his former Chief Financial Officer Ryan Wannemacher, who are both charged with conspiracy and fraud.
Former JEA exec testifies she didn’t speak up about controversial bonus plan because she thought board members knew
Read full article: Former JEA exec testifies she didn’t speak up about controversial bonus plan because she thought board members knewThere was more insight on Friday into what took place behind closed doors in events that could have led to what some say would have been the biggest scheme to defraud the City of Jacksonville.
Former JEA COO testifies she was surprised bonus plan was approved, knew it could result in huge payouts if JEA was sold
Read full article: Former JEA COO testifies she was surprised bonus plan was approved, knew it could result in huge payouts if JEA was soldOn Thursday afternoon, jurors heard from former JEA executive Melissa Dykes during Day 7 of the fraud and conspiracy trial of former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn and former Chief Financial Officer Ryan Wannemacher
Ex-JEA board chair had no idea plan she voted for could net $345M in bonus payouts if utility was sold: testimony
Read full article: Ex-JEA board chair had no idea plan she voted for could net $345M in bonus payouts if utility was sold: testimonyFormer JEA board members continued to testify on Wednesday in the case against two former JEA executives involving what some are calling one of the biggest schemes ever to try to defraud the City of Jacksonville.
Ex-JEA board members testify they wouldn’t have voted for bonus plan if they’d known about huge potential payouts
Read full article: Ex-JEA board members testify they wouldn’t have voted for bonus plan if they’d known about huge potential payoutsThe juries for the first time in the federal trial of two JEA executives accused of trying to take millions in personal profits from a proposed sale of the city-owned utility through a controversial bonus plan heard from a former JEA board member on Tuesday.
As city council auditors pushed for answers on controversial bonus plan, they say they got no response from JEA execs
Read full article: As city council auditors pushed for answers on controversial bonus plan, they say they got no response from JEA execsThe trial of two JEA executives accused of trying to take millions in personal profits from a proposed sale of the city-owned utility through a controversial bonus plan entered its second week on Monday.
FBI agent continues to detail investigation into ex-JEA execs accused in conspiracy case on Day 3 of trial
Read full article: FBI agent continues to detail investigation into ex-JEA execs accused in conspiracy case on Day 3 of trialFBI special agent Angela Hill, a member of the local public corruption, returned to stand on Friday to describe her work as from the early stages of the investigation into two former JEA executives who are accused in a complex conspiracy.
Sex, barbecue sauce, and corruption: A look back at the most memorable Jacksonville-area political scandals
Read full article: Sex, barbecue sauce, and corruption: A look back at the most memorable Jacksonville-area political scandalsThe JEA scandal rocked the city and two men could face 25 years in federal prison if convicted, but it’s far from the first headline-grabbing politically-connected scandal to hit the Jacksonville area in recent years.
FBI agent details investigation into ex-JEA execs accused in conspiracy case on Day 2 of trial
Read full article: FBI agent details investigation into ex-JEA execs accused in conspiracy case on Day 2 of trialFormer JEA CEO Paul McElroy said Thursday that he was “surprised” and “somewhat disappointed” when Aaron Zahn became interim CEO of the city-owned utility following McElroy’s 2018 retirement.
Ex-JEA execs accused of orchestrating Jacksonville’s largest fraud scheme layout defense on Day 1 of federal trial
Read full article: Ex-JEA execs accused of orchestrating Jacksonville’s largest fraud scheme layout defense on Day 1 of federal trialOpening statements will now begin Wednesday in a trial that is expected to last four weeks. Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher could get up to 25 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
The JEA Scandal: a closer look at Jacksonville’s largest fraud case
Read full article: The JEA Scandal: a closer look at Jacksonville’s largest fraud caseJacksonville is gearing up for a trial some would say focuses on the biggest planned fraud against the city, a proposed sale of JEA that could have led to millions in bonuses for some executives.
Trial of former JEA execs on track for opening statements Wednesday
Read full article: Trial of former JEA execs on track for opening statements WednesdayNearly two years after former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher were indicted on federal charges of conspiracy and wire fraud, prosecutors and defense attorneys will give their opening statements to two juries on Wednesday morning.
Jury selection begins in trial of former JEA execs accused of conspiracy, wire fraud
Read full article: Jury selection begins in trial of former JEA execs accused of conspiracy, wire fraudNearly two years after former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher were indicted, jury selection will begin Thursday for their upcoming federal trial.
Jury selection begins Thursday for former JEA execs Aaron Zahn & Ryan Wannemacher
Read full article: Jury selection begins Thursday for former JEA execs Aaron Zahn & Ryan WannemacherNearly two years after former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher were indicted, jury selection will begin Thursday for their upcoming federal trial.
How we got here: The federal case against two former JEA executives
Read full article: How we got here: The federal case against two former JEA executivesA former JEA CEO and his former chief financial officer are preparing to stand trial on federal charges of conspiracy and wire fraud, accused of trying to take millions in personal profits from a proposed sale of the city-owned utility through a controversial bonus plan. Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher were indicted in March 2022, and after numerous delays, their trial is ready to begin, nearly two years after their charges were announced.
Former JEA CEO said ‘the mayor’ backed $40M payout if city-owned utility was sold, attorney testifies
Read full article: Former JEA CEO said ‘the mayor’ backed $40M payout if city-owned utility was sold, attorney testifiesWith less than three weeks until former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn faces trial on criminal charges of conspiracy and wire fraud, conflicting stories are emerging about the scuttled sale of the city-owned utility in 2019.
Witnesses for upcoming trial of former JEA execs appear at pre-trial hearing
Read full article: Witnesses for upcoming trial of former JEA execs appear at pre-trial hearingOutside consultants hired by JEA and the city of Jacksonville as the city-owned utility explored privatization in 2019 provided insight into the scuttled attempt to sell the utility, during testimony at a pre-trial hearing for former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher.
Ruling could come soon on potential delay of trial for former JEA execs
Read full article: Ruling could come soon on potential delay of trial for former JEA execsA federal judge said Thursday he will rule soon on a request to delay the upcoming trial of former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher.
Attorneys for former JEA execs expected in court Thursday ahead of upcoming fraud trial
Read full article: Attorneys for former JEA execs expected in court Thursday ahead of upcoming fraud trialAttorneys for former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher are expected back in court Thursday ahead of their upcoming fraud trial regarding the utility’s botched sale attempt.
Weeks before scheduled trial, attorneys for former JEA execs again ask for a delay
Read full article: Weeks before scheduled trial, attorneys for former JEA execs again ask for a delayLess than two weeks before their trial on federal conspiracy and wire fraud charges is scheduled to begin, attorneys for former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher are once again asking a judge to delay the start of the proceedings.
Trial for former JEA execs on track for next month, as defense again requests delays
Read full article: Trial for former JEA execs on track for next month, as defense again requests delaysWith less than three weeks until the scheduled federal criminal trial of former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher, prosecutors and defense attorneys were back in a Jacksonville courtroom Wednesday, discussing issues around witnesses, evidence, and jury selection.
Federal judge agrees that prosecutors built case against former JEA execs without protected statements
Read full article: Federal judge agrees that prosecutors built case against former JEA execs without protected statementsA federal judge has ruled that two separate juries will be seated for the upcoming trial of former JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher, due to how protected statements may be used during their defense.
Prosecutors submit witness list for federal trial of former JEA execs
Read full article: Prosecutors submit witness list for federal trial of former JEA execsProsecutors have submitted the list of witnesses they plan to call in the trial of two former JEA executives facing federal charges of conspiracy and wire fraud.
Former JEA execs on track for federal trial in February, though it could be delayed — again
Read full article: Former JEA execs on track for federal trial in February, though it could be delayed — againTwo former JEA executives facing federal charges of conspiracy and wire fraud are still on track to face a trial in February, though defense attorneys raised the possibility of asking for a delay.
Federal judge finds prosecutors built case against former JEA execs without using protected statements
Read full article: Federal judge finds prosecutors built case against former JEA execs without using protected statementsA federal magistrate judge has found that the criminal case against two former JEA executives was built without the use of protected statements made by the two, even as defense attorneys had argued that the case was tainted and the indictment needed to be dismissed.
Attorneys for former JEA executives argue prosecutors didn’t call enough witnesses at evidentiary hearing
Read full article: Attorneys for former JEA executives argue prosecutors didn’t call enough witnesses at evidentiary hearingA key decision in the criminal case against two former JEA executives is now in the hands of a federal judge.
Have statements made to city investigators by JEA executives impacted criminal case? A judge will decide
Read full article: Have statements made to city investigators by JEA executives impacted criminal case? A judge will decideRecently-filed court documents in the federal case against two former JEA executives accused of creating a lucrative bonus plan that could pay out millions if the utility were sold give new insight into the strategy behind their legal defense.
‘This can’t go on’: Former JEA CEO recounts reaction to proposed bonus plan as testimony continues
Read full article: ‘This can’t go on’: Former JEA CEO recounts reaction to proposed bonus plan as testimony continuesA multi-day hearing ahead of the federal trial for two former JEA executives revealed new details about events surrounding the attempted sale of the utility in 2019.
‘This can’t go on’: Former JEA CEO recounts reaction to proposed bonus plan as testimony continues
Read full article: ‘This can’t go on’: Former JEA CEO recounts reaction to proposed bonus plan as testimony continuesA multi-day hearing ahead of the federal trial for two former JEA executives revealed new details about events surrounding the attempted sale of the utility in 2019.
Former JEA executives in federal court for hearing ahead of October trial
Read full article: Former JEA executives in federal court for hearing ahead of October trialLawyers for two former JEA executives facing federal charges in connection with the attempted sale of the utility spent over two hours at a hearing Thursday morning questioning the FBI special agent who led the investigation, about how the case was built.
Hearing for ex-JEA executives to feature testimony from current, former JEA & city officials
Read full article: Hearing for ex-JEA executives to feature testimony from current, former JEA & city officialsTestimonies are expected to be heard on Monday from a range of current and former officials with the city of Jacksonville and JEA before two former JEA executives stand trial later this year.
Current, former JEA, city officials to testify at hearing for former JEA executives
Read full article: Current, former JEA, city officials to testify at hearing for former JEA executivesA multi-day, pre-trial hearing for two former JEA executives facing federal charges is expected to include testimony from a range of current and former officials with the city of Jacksonville and JEA, later this month.
Defense attorneys for former JEA CEO ask to delay fraud trial until October 2023
Read full article: Defense attorneys for former JEA CEO ask to delay fraud trial until October 2023Attorneys for former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn and former CFO Ryan Wannemacher are asking the judge to delay their upcoming federal trial on conspiracy and wire fraud charges until late next year.
Former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn wants federal trial moved to Tampa
Read full article: Former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn wants federal trial moved to TampaAttorneys for former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn have asked a judge to move his upcoming federal trial on conspiracy and wire fraud charges to Tampa, arguing he cannot get a fair trial in Jacksonville.
Failed plan to privatize JEA inspires case study by delegation from African nations
Read full article: Failed plan to privatize JEA inspires case study by delegation from African nationsThe attempt to privatize JEA is now getting international attention. A delegation from African nations has visited Jacksonville to study ethics and transparency, and it’s using what happened with JEA as a case study.
Defense attorneys in JEA fraud case want more time to review discovery material
Read full article: Defense attorneys in JEA fraud case want more time to review discovery materialAttorneys for former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn and former JEA CFO Ryan Wannemacher filed a motion asking the judge to extend the discovery deadline 60 days from August 15 to October 14.
Judge sets deadlines during court hearing for former JEA executives
Read full article: Judge sets deadlines during court hearing for former JEA executivesA court hearing for two former JEA executives, who have been indicted on federal charges, wrapped up on Tuesday afternoon with a judge setting some deadlines, leading up to a trial next year.
Lawyers for indicted former JEA execs suggest venue change, May ‘23 trial date
Read full article: Lawyers for indicted former JEA execs suggest venue change, May ‘23 trial dateLawyers for two former JEA executives facing conspiracy and wire fraud charges said they plan to push for a change of venue and asked for a trial date next year.
Asked about JEA investigation, Curry sticks to prior statement, says administration will cooperate with inquiries
Read full article: Asked about JEA investigation, Curry sticks to prior statement, says administration will cooperate with inquiriesJacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry told News4JAX on Thursday that he still doesn’t wish to speak directly about the federal indictments against the two former leaders of JEA.
Ryan Wannemacher’s attorneys file motion to delay motions & trial date
Read full article: Ryan Wannemacher’s attorneys file motion to delay motions & trial dateAttorneys representing Ryan Wannemacher, the former chief financial officer of JEA, have filed a motion to continue, or delay, the deadlines for pretrial motions — as well as the trial date itself.
Ex-JEA CEO Zahn faces 25 years in prison for fraud, but first, a family trip to the Bahamas
Read full article: Ex-JEA CEO Zahn faces 25 years in prison for fraud, but first, a family trip to the BahamasAaron Zahn, the former CEO of the city-owned utility, will be permitted to go to the Bahamas next week on a family vacation. That has some wondering.
2 former JEA execs plead not guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud charges
Read full article: 2 former JEA execs plead not guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud chargesFormer JEA Chief Executive Officer Aaron Zahn and former JEA Chief Financial Officer Ryan Wannemacher will appear before a federal judge Tuesday afternoon on charges of conspiracy and wire fraud.
Federal grand jury indicts former JEA executives, accuses them of conspiracy, wire fraud
Read full article: Federal grand jury indicts former JEA executives, accuses them of conspiracy, wire fraudFormer Chief Executive Officer of JEA, Aaron Zahn, and former Chief Financial Officer, Ryan Wannemacher, were indicted by a grand jury for two counts each of conspiracy and wire fraud.
JEA’s chief compliance officer is retiring after 46 years
Read full article: JEA’s chief compliance officer is retiring after 46 yearsOn Wednesday, a spokesperson for the city-owned utility released a statement announcing that Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer Ted Hobson is retiring after 46 years of service. Chief Financial Officer Ryan Wannemacher was fired one week later. And Sherry Hall, JEA’s vice president and chief governmental affairs officer, gave her notice around the same time. As chief compliance officer for the past eight years, Hobson has overseen the utility’s compliance and regulatory programs, audit services, physical security, emergency planning and risk management. “Ted’s impact will remain with JEA for years to come and he will be missed,” the JEA statement said.
Chief Financial Officer gone as fallout continues at JEA
Read full article: Chief Financial Officer gone as fallout continues at JEAJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – JEA Chief Financial Officer Ryan Wannemacher no longer works for the city-owned utility, JEA confirmed to News4Jax on Friday. The JEA Board of Directors voted unanimously on Tuesday to end the process of finding potential suitors to purchase JEA. It wasn’t immediately clear if Wannemacher resigned or if he was terminated. He previously worked as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at JEA. Several City Council members are calling for a grand jury investigation of JEA -- on top of an investigation started by the State Attorney’s Office.